When Jussie Smollett reported a hate crime in January 2019, the story gripped the nation. But within weeks, the narrative flipped—Chicago police alleged the actor had staged the attack himself. This is the complete timeline of the case, from the initial report through conviction, appeal, and the stunning reversal in 2024.

4 related posts

Date of Birth: June 21, 1982 ·
Known For: Empire (TV series) ·
Conviction: Disorderly conduct (5 counts) ·
Sentence: 150 days in jail (served 6) ·
Appeal Outcome: Overturned (Nov 2024) ·
Career Status: No major TV roles after 2019

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether prosecutors will pursue further appeals after the state Supreme Court reversal
  • If Smollett’s career can ever return to mainstream television
  • Exact financial impact of the restitution and legal fees still owed
3Timeline signal
  • Jan 29, 2019: Smollett reports hate crime (BBC News)
  • Dec 2021: Convicted on 5 counts (BBC News)
  • Nov 2024: Conviction overturned (NYT)
4What’s next
  • Potential for further legal appeals by the state
  • Smollett may seek to return to acting or music
  • Ongoing public debate about the case’s racial and legal dimensions

Eight key facts that define the case:

Label Value
Full Name Jussie Smollett
Date of Birth June 21, 1982
Place of Birth Santa Rosa, California, USA
Occupation Actor, singer, director
Known For Empire (TV series) (Entertainment Tonight (US entertainment news))
Conviction Disorderly conduct (5 counts) (BBC News)
Sentence 150 days in jail (served 6 days) (BBC News)
Appeal Status Conviction overturned by Illinois Supreme Court (Nov 2024) (The New York Times)

What has happened to Jussie Smollett?

The 2019 Incident

  • On January 29, 2019, Smollett told Chicago police he was attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs, poured a chemical on him, and put a rope around his neck (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).
  • Within days, police discovered inconsistencies, leading them to believe Smollett had paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack for publicity (CNN (US cable news network)).
Why this matters

The staging claim turned a victim narrative into a legal scandal, costing the city of Chicago more than $130,000 in investigatory resources.

Arrest and Charges

  • In February 2019, Smollett was charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report (ABC News (US broadcast network)).
  • Originally indicted on 16 felony counts, the charges were dropped in March 2019 after a deal involving forfeiture of his bond and community service (ABC News).
  • A special prosecutor was appointed in 2020, leading to a new indictment and trial (NBC Chicago (local NBC affiliate)).

Trial and Conviction

  • In December 2021, a jury found Smollett guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct (BBC News).
  • In March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, a $25,000 fine, and restitution of $120,106 (CNN). He served 6 days before being released pending appeal (BBC News).
Bottom line: Smollett was convicted of lying to police about a hate crime. The case resulted in a short jail stay and a six-figure financial penalty, but the conviction was later overturned.

What was Jussie Smollett convicted of?

Disorderly Conduct (False Report)

  • Smollett was convicted of five counts of disorderly conduct for making false statements to the Chicago Police Department (BBC News).
  • Each count corresponded to a specific false statement he made about the alleged attack, including the identity of the assailants and the circumstances (NBC Chicago).

The legal charge of disorderly conduct in Illinois covers knowingly giving false information to law enforcement. The jury found that Smollett’s claims about the attack were fabricated.

Details of the Conviction

  • The conviction was initially on six felony counts, but one was later dismissed (BBC News).
  • Judge James Linn, during sentencing, called Smollett a “charlatan” and said he had “seriously damaged” his own career (CNN).
The paradox

The conviction was for false statements, not for the attack itself. Yet the public perception remained that Smollett was guilty of a hate crime hoax—a distinction that shaped the legal and media narrative.

Was Jussie Smollett’s conviction overturned?

Appeal Process

  • Smollett appealed his conviction in 2022, arguing that the special prosecutor’s appointment was improper and that the case should not have been re-filed after the initial dismissal (CNN).
  • In December 2023, an Illinois appellate court upheld the conviction (NBC Chicago).
  • The case then went to the Illinois Supreme Court, which issued a surprising reversal in November 2024 (The New York Times (premier US newspaper)).

Current Status of Conviction

  • The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction, ruling that the special prosecutor overstepped after the original charges were dropped (The New York Times).
  • The court’s decision effectively vacates the conviction, though the state could potentially seek further review.
Bottom line: As of November 2024, Smollett’s conviction is overturned. The legal saga that began in 2019 has taken a dramatic turn, but the case is not necessarily over.

Why was Jussie Smollett written out of Empire?

Show’s Response to the Scandal

  • After the allegations of staging the attack became public, Fox reduced Smollett’s role in the final episodes of season five (Entertainment Tonight (US entertainment news)).
  • The show’s creator, Lee Daniels, initially considered keeping the character, but the network decided to write him out entirely (ABC News).

The Final Season

  • Empire’s sixth and final season aired in 2020 without Smollett’s character, Jamal Lyon (Entertainment Tonight).
  • The show’s producers said the decision was made to “avoid distraction” from the legal case.
What to watch

The Empire exit was a clear signal of how the entertainment industry distances itself from legal controversies, even before a conviction is secured.

Did Jussie Smollett’s career recover?

Post-Empire Projects

  • Since leaving Empire, Smollett has released independent music and directed the 2021 film “B-Boy Blues” (BBC News).
  • He has not landed any major network television roles, and his public appearances remain limited.

Public Perception

  • Public opinion remains divided; while some activists argue he was unfairly targeted, many others believe the hoax destroyed his credibility.
  • His career has not recovered to pre-2019 levels, and the overturn of the conviction may not restore his standing in Hollywood.
Bottom line: Smollett’s career is effectively stalled. The overturn of his conviction does not erase the damage to his reputation; the industry remains cautious.

Timeline of Key Events

  • January 29, 2019: Smollett reports being attacked in a hate crime (BBC News).
  • February 20, 2019: Charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report (ABC News).
  • March 26, 2019: All charges dropped by Cook County State’s Attorney’s office (ABC News).
  • February 2020: Special prosecutor appointed to investigate (NBC Chicago).
  • November 29, 2021: Trial begins.
  • December 9, 2021: Found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct (BBC News).
  • March 10, 2022: Sentenced to 150 days in jail and $120,000 in restitution (CNN).
  • March 16, 2022: Released from jail after 6 days, pending appeal (BBC News).
  • December 2023: Illinois appellate court upholds conviction (NBC Chicago).
  • November 2024: Illinois Supreme Court overturns conviction (The New York Times).
The trade-off

The overturned conviction gives Smollett legal vindication, but the five-year ordeal has cost him his prime-time career and public trust.

Clarity: What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Smollett staged the 2019 attack (CNN)
  • Convicted on 5 counts of disorderly conduct (BBC News)
  • Sentenced to 150 days, served 6 (BBC News)
  • Conviction overturned by Illinois Supreme Court (Nov 2024) (NYT)

What’s unclear

  • Whether the state will appeal the Supreme Court’s decision
  • If Smollett can rebuild his acting career
  • Total financial impact including legal fees and restitution

Key Quotes

“You’re a charlatan.”

Judge James Linn during sentencing, as reported by CNN

“I did not do this.”

Jussie Smollett during the trial, as reported by BBC News

“The case moved from an alleged hate-crime investigation to an alleged hoax probe, then to dropped charges, refiled charges, conviction, and reversal.”

NBC Chicago timeline NBC Chicago

For Jussie Smollett, the legal reversal in 2024 offers a second chance, but the entertainment industry is slow to forgive. The implication for other celebrities facing scandals is clear: the court of public opinion often outlasts any courtroom verdict.

Related reading

Additional sources

today.com, wsj.com, usatoday.com, abcnews.com, en.wikipedia.org, zurichheute.ch

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Frequently asked questions

Is Jussie Smollett married?

No, Jussie Smollett is not married. He has not publicly disclosed any current romantic relationships.

What is Jussie Smollett’s net worth?

Estimates vary, but before the scandal his net worth was around $2 million. Legal fees and lost income have likely reduced that significantly.

Who are Jussie Smollett’s siblings?

He has five siblings, including siblings who are also actors: Jurnee Smollett (actress), Jake Smollett, Jocqui Smollett, Jojo Smollett, and Jazz Smollett.

What movies and TV shows has Jussie Smollett been in?

He is best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on Empire (2015–2019). He also appeared in Alien: Covenant, The Mighty Ducks (1992), and North (1994).

Did Jussie Smollett apologize for the hoax?

He has maintained his innocence and never publicly apologized for staging the attack. He continues to assert that he was telling the truth.

How long did Jussie Smollett actually serve in jail?

He served 6 days in March 2022 before being released pending appeal (BBC News).

What evidence was presented against Jussie Smollett?

Prosecutors presented evidence that Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack, including a check and phone records linking them (CNN).