Jussie Smollett

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Jussie Smollett
File:Jussie Smollett 2018.png
Smollet in 2018
Born Justin Smollett[1]
(1982-06-21) June 21, 1982 (age 41)
Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
Residence Chicago, Illinois
Occupation
  • Actor
  • singer-songwriter
Years active 1991–present
Known for Jamal Lyon (Empire)
Relatives Jake Smollett (brother)
Jurnee Smollett-Bell (sister)
Musical career
Genres R&B
Labels

Justin Smollett[4][5] (/ˈʌsi smʌˈlɛt/ JUSS-ee, born June 21, 1982) is an American actor and singer. He began his career as a child actor in 1987 acting in films including The Mighty Ducks (1992) and Rob Reiner's North (1994). In 2015, Smollett attracted attention and received a highly positive critical reception for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire (2015). Smollett has also appeared in Ridley Scott's science fiction film Alien: Covenant (2017) as Ricks and in Marshall (2017) as Langston Hughes.

Smollett was indicted on February 20, 2019, for disorderly conduct consisting of allegedly paying two Nigerian men to stage a fake hate crime assault on him and filing a false police report.[6] Smollett's defense team reached a deal with prosecutors on March 26, 2019, in which all charges were dropped in return for Smollett performing community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond.[7] On March 27, it was announced that the FBI is investigating as to why the charges were dismissed.[8][9]

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Early life

Justin "Jussie" Smollett[1] was born in Santa Rosa, California, and is the third of six children of Janet (née Harris) and Joel Smollett (1956–2014).[10] He has three brothers and two sisters: Jake, Jocqui, Jojo, Jurnee, and Jazz, several of whom are also actors.[11] Smollett is biracial.[12] His mother is African-American and his father was Jewish (his family emigrated from Russia and Poland).[13] He has said that his father would have "killed you if you called him white." His father was absent from his life for a significant portion of his childhood.[14] He graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.[15] Smollett told his parents he was gay when he was 19.[14]

Career

Smollett began his acting career as a child, appearing in the films The Mighty Ducks (1992) and Rob Reiner's North (1994). On television, he starred alongside his five real-life siblings in the short-lived ABC sitcom On Our Own from 1994–95.[16] In 2012, Smollett returned to acting with the leading role in Patrik-Ian Polk's LGBT-themed comedy-drama The Skinny.[17] Also that year, he released an EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club.[11][18] He later guest-starred on The Mindy Project (2012) and Revenge (2014).[14]

In 2014, Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon—a gay musician who struggles to gain the approval of his father—opposite Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard in the Fox drama series Empire.[19][20][21] His role was hailed as "groundbreaking" for its positive depiction of a black gay man on television.[22] Smollett reprised his role in subsequent seasons,[23] and directed an episode of the fourth season in 2017.[24]

In February 2015, Smollett confirmed that he had signed a recording contract with Columbia Records and would be releasing an album in the future.[25] Smollett co-wrote the songs "I Wanna Love You" and "You're So Beautiful" on the Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire album, which was released in March 2015.[26]

In June 2015, it was announced that Smollett would guest-star alongside his younger sister, Jurnee, on Underground, which aired in 2016.[27] In March 2018, Smollett released his debut album, Sum of My Music.[28] Sum of My Music is an R&B album that features elements of electronic music and hip hop. Smollett self-released it through his own label, Music of Sound.[29]

Personal life

Smollett came out as gay during a televised interview with Ellen DeGeneres in March 2015.[30][31]

In a 2016 interview with Out, he clarified his sexual orientation by stating "If I had to label myself, I would label myself as a gay man." However, he stated his belief that openness to love is more important than gender, revealing that "If I fall in love down the road with a woman, I'm going to love that woman."[14] When Smollett's gay character from Empire engaged in a tryst with a female character, Smollett defended the plot development by stating that he and Empire's creator Lee Daniels were trying to create a conversation about sexual fluidity in the gay community. Daniels has stated that while he and Smollett are gay, they both occasionally want to have sex with women. Daniels stated that "We're showing life on Empire", in that both he and Smollett were incorporating their own sexual fluidity as gay men into the show.[32]

Smollett lives in an apartment in Chicago.[33]

Legal issues

2007 misdemeanor case

According to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Smollett pleaded no contest to providing false information to law enforcement in a 2007 misdemeanor case resulting from a DUI stop in which Smollett gave police a false name.[34] Smollett also pleaded no contest to driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit and driving without a valid driver's license,[34] and was sentenced to a fine and two years of probation.[34]

2019 Chicago incident

On January 22, 2019, Smollett received a threatening letter which depicted a stick figure hanging from a tree with a gun pointing towards it. It read "Smollett, Jussie you will die" and "MAGA" and contained a white powder determined to be Tylenol.[35] On January 29, 2019, Smollett said that he was attacked in the early morning of that day in the 300 block of East Lower North Water Street in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood,[36] in what was initially investigated as a hate crime.[37][38] The Chicago Police later determined Smollett orchestrated the attack.[39]

Smollett told police that he was attacked outside his apartment building by two men in ski masks who called him racial and homophobic slurs, and said "This is MAGA country," referencing President Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again"[37] and used their hands, feet, and teeth as weapons in the assault.[40][41] According to a statement released by the Chicago Police Department, the two suspects then "poured an unknown liquid" on Smollett and put a noose around his neck.[42] Smollett said that he fought them off. Smollett was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital; not seriously injured, he was released "in good condition" later that morning.[37][43][44] The police were called after 2:30 am;[45] when they arrived around 2:40 am, Smollett had a white rope around his neck.[46] Smollett said that the attack may have been motivated by his criticism of the Trump administration[47] and that he believed that the alleged assault was linked to the threatening letter that was sent to him earlier that month.[35]

Initial reaction to incident

On January 30, 2019, public figures expressed support for Smollett on social media.[38][48] Entertainment industry figures, including Shonda Rhimes and Viola Davis, tweeted their outrage over the attack and support for Smollett.[48] Democratic senators and presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Cory Booker both described the attack as an attempted modern-day lynching.[49] Booker urged Congress to pass a federal anti-lynching bill co-sponsored by him and Harris.[48][50] In an interview with April Ryan of AURN, President Trump was asked about Smollett being attacked and said, "I think that's horrible. It doesn't get worse."[51] Smollett faced skepticism regarding his claim of being attacked;[52] he responded by saying that he believed that, if he had said his attackers were Mexicans, Muslims, or black people, "the doubters would have supported me much more ... And that says a lot about the place that we are in our country right now."[52]

Investigation

On February 13, Chicago police raided the home of two "persons of interest" in the case. The men are brothers, of Nigerian descent, who have acted as extras on Empire. Police recovered bleach and other items from the home.[53] The brothers were held in police custody on suspicion of battery but were not charged.[54] According to the brothers' attorney, they know Smollett from working on the show, and have also spent time with him at a gym.[54] The two men were released February 15 without being charged with a crime,[55][56] with Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stating their release was "due to new evidence" from the interrogations.[55]

The Chicago Police Department later told ABC News: "Police are investigating whether the two individuals committed the attack—or whether the attack happened at all."[57] On February 16, two unnamed Chicago police sources informed CNN that Chicago police had discovered evidence indicating that Smollett had paid the two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack.[58][59] Financial records indicate that the brothers purchased the rope found around Smollett's neck at a hardware store in Ravenswood over the weekend of January 25.[60][61] They were seen in security camera footage in a clothing store where they bought the gloves, ski masks and a red hat that police said was used in the attack. The brothers asked specifically for a MAGA hat, which the store doesn't sell.[62] Chicago Police reached out to Smollett's attorney for additional questioning.[54]

The FBI began investigating whether Smollett was involved in the threatening letter that was sent to him the week before the incident.[35]

On February 19, 2019, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced that she had recused herself from the investigation, due to her "familiarity with potential witnesses in the case", a move that prompted criticism from her predecessor, Anita Alvarez.[63][64] Recusing herself would have required her to ask the court to appoint an outside attorney as a special prosecutor. Since she merely passed the case to someone on her staff, she was still responsible for its outcome.[65]

Police alleged that Smollett staged the attack because he was dissatisfied with his pay on Empire.[66]

Smollett hired crisis manager Chris Bastardi to represent him.[67]

Criminal charges and arrest

File:Jussie-smollett-mugshot.jpg
Smollett's mugshot from his February 2019 arrest

On February 20, 2019, Smollett was charged with a class 4 felony for filing a false police report.[68][69][70] Smollett’s felony count charge in Illinois carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.[68] Smollett has hired attorney Mark Geragos in addition to Chicago-based attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson to work on his legal defense.[71]

The next day, Smollett surrendered himself at the Chicago Police Department's Central Booking station.[72] Shortly thereafter, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that Smollett "is under arrest and in the custody of detectives".[73] Guglielmi also said that Smollett was named as suspect in a criminal investigation for filing a fake police report, under a class 4 felony.[74][75]

Later that day, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson held a press conference on the hoax, gave details of the investigation, and explained how the department concluded that the alleged assault was staged.[76] Chicago PD believe that Smollett staged the hoax attack as a publicity stunt meant to further his career, as he was not satisfied with his salary.[76][77] The brothers who say they helped stage the attack said that Smollett had the idea to fake the crime after the threatening letter he received did not receive as much attention as he wanted it to.[78] Police alleged that the actor intended to further his career by tying the incident to racism in the United States and President Trump, and that Smollett sent himself the threatening letter.[76]

Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. set Smollett's bail at $100,000; a friend of the actor paid a $10,000 bond, and Smollett was released from custody on February 21.[79][80][81] Smollett was required to surrender his passport.[82]

On March 8, Smollett was indicted on 16 felony counts of "false report of offense" related to the incident.[83][84][85][86] On March 14, 2019, Smollett and his legal team entered a not guilty plea at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago.[87][88][89]

Reaction after arrest

Smollett's character was subsequently removed from the final two episodes of Empire's fifth season. Those episodes had not yet been aired.[90] Smollett claims he has an untreated drug problem—his use of ecstasy. He also said he does not have issues with alcohol or his mental health.[91][92]

Conservative commentator Walter E. Williams argued that the alleged incident was an example of a hate crime and a racial hoax.[93]

Reaction after arraignment

Following Smollett's arraignment, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson held a press conference in which he spoke about Smollett, asking, "Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?" He further called the accusations "a scar" that "Chicago...didn't earn."[94]

During a public statement, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said, "Allegations against Mr. Smollett are shameful and if proven, they are an affront to the people of Chicago who embraced him as a neighbor and respected him as a role model... We stand behind the work of our detectives."[95]

It was reported that a former Obama era aide, a Chicago attorney, Tina Tchen, who served as former first lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff and others, were contacted to try to convince them to "Reach out to FBI to ask that they take over the investigation" in lieu of the Chicago Police Department, which was agreed upon. A Smollett family member responded, "Omg this would be a huge victory."[96] In text messages, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx told an unknown person who contacted her through Tchen, that she "spoke to the superintendent" and was "trying to figure out logistics."[95]

Deal to drop charges

On March 26, 2019, all charges filed against Smollett were dropped, with Judge Steven Watkins ordering the public court file sealed.[7][97] First Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Magats said the office reached a deal with Smollett's defense team in which prosecutors dropped the charges upon Smollett performing 16 hours of community service[98][99][100] and forfeiting his $10,000 bond.[101][102][103]

Reaction to the charges dropped and release of police case files

Magats made a statement saying that the decision was not an exoneration of Smollett, "we stand behind the investigation, we stand behind the decision to charge him [...] The fact that [Smollett] feels that we have exonerated him, we have not. I can’t make it any clearer than that". The mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, strongly criticized the decision saying it was a "whitewash of justice" and that "From top to bottom, this is not on the level." Police superintendent Eddie Johnson said that justice was not served.[7][104]

On March 27, 2019, the Chicago Police Department released the redacted police reports associated to the case.[105]

On March 27, it was announced that the FBI is investigating as to why the charges were dismissed.[8][9]

Filmography

Film

Year Film Role Notes
1992 The Mighty Ducks Terry Hall Nominated – Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
1994 North Adam
2009 Pitch This Mike Short film
2012 The Skinny Magnus
2014 Born to Race: Fast Track Tariq Direct-to-video
Ask Me Anything Nico Dempster
2016 The Tale of Four John Short film
2017 Alien: Covenant – Prologue: Last Supper Ricks Short film
Alien: Covenant
Marshall Langston Hughes

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1991 A Little Piece of Heaven Salem Bordeaux Television film
1993 Alex Haley's Queen Simon Miniseries
1993 Coach Billy Episode: "Piece o' Cake"
1993–94 Cro Mike Voice, 20 episodes
1994–95 On Our Own Jesse Jerrico Series regular, 20 episodes
2012 The Mindy Project Barry Stassen Episode: "Josh and Mindy's Christmas Party"
2014 Revenge Jamie Episode: "Ashes"
2015–present Empire Jamal Lyon Series regular
Nominated – BET Award for Best Actor
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Drama
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Breakout Star
Directed season 4, episode 16
2016 Underground Josey 2 episodes
2016 Live! with Kelly Himself Guest host, 6 episodes
2017 Star Jamal Lyon Episode: "The Winner Takes it All"
2018 America Divided Himself Episode: "Whose History?"

Music videos

Year Artist Title
2015 Mariah Carey "Infinity"
2016 Jussie Smollett "F.U.W."

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Category Recipient Outcome
1993 Young Artist Award Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture The Mighty Ducks Nominated
2015 BET Awards Best Actor Empire Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor Drama Nominated
Choice TV: Breakout Star Nominated
Choice TV: Chemistry Nominated
Choice Music: Song from a Movie or TV Show "You're So Beautiful" Nominated
2016 NAACP Image Awards[106] Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Empire Nominated
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration "You're So Beautiful" Won
Outstanding Song Won
Outstanding New Artist Jussie Smollett Won
2017 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Won
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor Drama Empire Nominated

Discography

Albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and details
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Heat.

[107]
Sum of My Music
  • Released: March 2, 2018[108]
  • Label: Music of Sound/Human Re Sources
  • Format: Digital download
22
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
US
[109][110]
US
R&B
/HH

[111][112]
US
R&B

[113][114]
US
Adult
R&B

[115][116]
FRA
[117]
GER
[118]
SWI
[119]
AUT
[120]
POR
[121]
BUL
[122][123]
"Good Enough" 2015 [upper-alpha 1] 33 13 60 25 55 54 2 40 Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
"Keep Your Money" 99 32 13 181 91
"No Apologies"
(featuring Yazz)
[upper-alpha 2] 44 195
"I Wanna Love You" [upper-alpha 3] 21
"Money For Nothing"
(featuring Yazz)
[upper-alpha 4] 23 94
"You're so Beautiful"
(featuring Yazz)
47 18 10 79 42
"Conqueror"
(featuring Estelle)
42 15 8 15 157 87
"Nothing To Lose" [upper-alpha 5] 15
"Powerful"
(featuring Alicia Keys)
[upper-alpha 6] 36 10 152 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2 Volume 1
"Ain't About the Money"
(featuring Yazz)
39
"No Doubt About it"
(featuring Pitbull)
18
"Chasing the Sky"
(featuring Terrence Howard & Yazz)
2016 [upper-alpha 7] 24 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2 Volume 2
"Good People"
(featuring Yazz)
[upper-alpha 8] 20
"Need Freedom" 30 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 3
"Freedom" 2018 Sum of My Music
"Catch Your Eye"
(featuring Swizz Beatz)
"Hurt People"
"Ha Ha (I Love You)" 19

Notes

  1. "Good Enough" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 6 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[124]
  2. "No Apologies" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 23 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[124]
  3. "I Wanna Love You" did not enter the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 7 on the Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[126]
  4. "Money For Nothing" did not enter the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 9 on the Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[126]
  5. "Nothing To Lose" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 21 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[124]
  6. "Powerful" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 12 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[124]
  7. "Chasing the Sky" did not enter the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 2 on the Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[126]
  8. "Good People" did not enter the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 3 on the Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[126]

References

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  120. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  121. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  122. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  123. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  124. 124.0 124.1 124.2 124.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  125. 125.0 125.1 125.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  126. 126.0 126.1 126.2 126.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

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