Home Certifiedscandal56

The Comeback Trail: What Jussie Smollett Is Doing Nowadays After His Conviction Was Overturned

• minute read
Contents

The question of "What is Jussie Smollett doing nowadays?" has a dramatically different and more complex answer in 2025 than it did just a few years ago. After a highly publicized legal battle that saw the former *Empire* star's career seemingly derailed, he is now actively pursuing a multi-faceted comeback, marked by major legal victories, a return to the director's chair, and a new music deal. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, Smollett has been focusing on rebuilding his professional life across film, television, and music, proving that his career is far from over.

The most significant recent developments revolve around his legal status, which saw a stunning reversal by the Illinois Supreme Court. This, coupled with new film projects and a high-profile return to reality television, paints a picture of an artist determined to move past the controversy and reclaim his standing in the entertainment industry.

Jussie Smollett: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and filmmaker whose career began in childhood and rose to international fame on the hit television series *Empire* before being overshadowed by a controversial legal case. His journey reflects a versatile talent navigating the turbulent waters of Hollywood and the public eye.

  • Full Name: Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett
  • Date of Birth: June 21, 1982
  • Place of Birth: Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actor, Singer, Director, Producer
  • Notable Acting Debut: *The Mighty Ducks* (1992) and *North* (1994) as a child actor.
  • Breakthrough Role: Jamal Lyon on the Fox musical drama series *Empire* (2015–2019).
  • Discography: *Sum of My Music* (Debut Album, 2018). His sophomore album, *Break Out*, is slated for release in September 2025.
  • Filmography Highlights: *The Mighty Ducks* (1992), *North* (1994), *Alien: Covenant* (2017), *B-Boy Blues* (Director, 2021), *The Lost Holliday* (Director/Actor, 2023).
  • Legal Status (Current): His conviction for disorderly conduct was overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024, and a civil lawsuit with the City of Chicago was settled in May 2025.

The Stunning Legal Reversal: Conviction Overturned and Civil Case Settled

For many, the name Jussie Smollett is inextricably linked to the 2019 alleged hate crime and the subsequent legal fallout. However, a series of major legal updates in late 2024 and early 2025 have dramatically shifted his standing, giving him a renewed platform for his career relaunch.

Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Conviction

In a landmark decision in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett's 2021 conviction on five counts of felony disorderly conduct. The conviction stemmed from charges that he lied to the Chicago Police Department about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. This overturning was a massive legal victory, effectively vacating the sentence he received, which included jail time, probation, and restitution.

The case had been a point of intense national debate, involving figures like Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, whose office initially dropped charges, and Special Prosecutor Dan Webb, who later secured the conviction. The Supreme Court's decision essentially wiped the slate clean on the criminal charges, though Smollett continues to maintain his innocence regarding the original incident.

Settlement with the City of Chicago

Further solidifying his legal position, Smollett reached a settlement with the City of Chicago in May 2025. The city had filed a civil lawsuit seeking to recoup the costs of the police investigation. As part of the agreement, the lawsuit was dismissed in exchange for Smollett agreeing to pay a "charitable sum" to a non-profit organization. This settlement brings a definitive close to all major legal proceedings stemming from the 2019 incident, allowing the actor to fully focus on his professional future without the shadow of ongoing litigation.

The Multi-Platform Career Relaunch: Directing, Acting, and Music

With the legal battles largely concluded, Jussie Smollett has aggressively pursued a career relaunch, leveraging his skills as a director, actor, and musician. His strategy involves a calculated return to the spotlight across various entertainment mediums.

A Return to the Director's Chair

Smollett has found success and critical attention behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with the film *B-Boy Blues* (2021), an adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel. Following this, he directed and starred in the film *The Lost Holliday* (2023), which represents his first acting role since his departure from *Empire*. This project, which he also produced, highlights his commitment to telling diverse and impactful stories, cementing his role as a filmmaker.

New Music and Rowdy Records Deal

Smollett is also returning to his roots as a recording artist. He has signed a new music deal with Rowdy Records and is preparing to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, *Break Out*, in September 2025. This album follows his 2018 debut, *Sum of My Music*, which featured tracks like "Good Enough." The new record is expected to be a deeply personal project, reflecting on the tumultuous years he has faced while showcasing his talent as a singer and songwriter.

Reality TV and a Return to Fox

Perhaps one of the most surprising moves in his comeback is a return to the Fox network, the same network that aired *Empire*. Smollett is set to participate as one of the celebrity contestants on the reality competition show *Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test*. This move is significant, as it marks a high-profile return to mainstream television and offers him a platform to control his narrative in a non-scripted environment. His appearance on *Special Forces* is a clear indication that he is willing to face public scrutiny head-on as he attempts to redefine his public image.

The Netflix Effect: *The Truth About Jussie*

The ongoing public fascination with the case is further evidenced by a forthcoming Netflix documentary. The streaming giant is producing a project titled *The Truth About Jussie*, which will delve into the 2019 hate crime and the subsequent trial. While Smollett is not directly involved in the production, the documentary ensures that the saga remains a prominent topic in the cultural conversation, adding another layer of complexity to his current public life.

Topical Authority and The Future of Smollett’s Career

Jussie Smollett’s current activities in 2025 demonstrate a determined effort to pivot from a legal narrative to a creative one. By focusing on directing independent projects like *B-Boy Blues* and securing a major music deal for *Break Out*, he is taking control of his artistic output. His participation in *Special Forces* also shows a willingness to engage with the public on a major platform.

The legal rulings—the Illinois Supreme Court overturning the conviction and the settlement with Chicago—have removed the most significant barriers to his professional life. While industry experts have debated the long-term viability of his career, his consistent output in film and music, along with his return to reality television, indicates a strong personal and professional drive. The ongoing discussion around the Osundairo brothers, the initial police investigation, and the role of the special prosecutor ensures that the case remains a reference point in discussions about justice and media influence. Smollett is clearly betting that his talent as an actor, filmmaker, and singer will ultimately overshadow the controversy, paving the way for a sustained career on his own terms.

what is jussie smollett doing nowadays
what is jussie smollett doing nowadays

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Clarissa Windler
  • Username : ricky.ullrich
  • Email : borer.camylle@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-07-28
  • Address : 605 Grant Ridge O'Keefemouth, FL 91833
  • Phone : +12812770602
  • Company : Fay-Cruickshank
  • Job : Umpire and Referee
  • Bio : Inventore molestiae voluptates id cupiditate dolorum dolor. Natus ut blanditiis consequatur est dignissimos recusandae. Repudiandae quibusdam totam facilis sint et commodi. Quam nobis aut voluptas.

Socials

tiktok:

facebook:

linkedin:

Random Posts