Jussie Smollett Doubles Down On Claims That He's Innocent... Again

Actor Jussie Smollett is back in the headlines once again.

On Wednesday morning, he appeared on Sway's SiriusXM show, as reported by TMZ. The former “Empire” actor is insisting that he didn’t lie about staging a homophobic and racist attack against himself, which he was convicted of earlier this year.

During the discussion, Smollett said that he didn’t lie about staging the attack and maintains that he was the victim. He said that if he did stage the attack, he would be a “total piece of s---” and insisted that he’s not. He claimed that everyone knows he’s innocent, although it looks like the tide of public opinion has turned against him, as most fans have turned their backs on him.

Jussie said that, although a jury concluded that he lied, it would mean that everyone found out that “someone is exactly the opposite of who they claim to be.” Jussie continued to say that if he really did stage a hate crime, that would mean that he’s exploited both the Black and LGBTQ communities. Smollett insisted that he’s “not that motherf---er.”

This recent appearance on a radio show isn’t the first time that Smollett has insisted his innocent, either. Back in April, Smollett released a song called “Thank You God,” where he insisted that he was innocent.

Back in April, Smollett released an almost six-minute-long R&B track called “Thank You God…” on various streaming platforms. Backed by a gospel-influenced sound and a choir that sings “Thank you God for showing me my enemies,” Smollett called out police for accusing him of staging the attack against himself.

Jussie raps, “It’s like they’re h----bent on not solving the crime / Taking out the elements of race and trans and homophobia that’s straight taking lives / But turn around and act like I’m the one that killed the strides.”

Smollett continues, “I can’t be mad / Take my ego out / Some people searching for fame / Some people chasing that clout / Just remember this, this ain’t that situation / You think I’m stupid enough to kill my reputation?”

He adds, “Just simply to look like a victim like it’s something fun / Y’all better look at someone else, you got the wrong one.”

Smollett continued to insist that he didn't make up the hate crime accusations in the lyrics of his new song. He sang, “All I ever wanted to do was make my people proud / Fame is nothing real, it’s how you make them feel / Celebrity is for the birds, I ain’t no man of steel.”

In an Instagram video, Smollett said that any profits made from his new song will be donated to the Rainbow Push Coalition, the STB Safety, and the Illinois Innocence Project. At the time, his Instagram bio read: “THIS ACCOUNT IS CURRENTLY RUN BY THE SMOLLETT FAMILY.”

However, it now reads: “Director/Producer/Writer/Head of the Studio… @BBoyBluesTheFilm NOW STREAMING on @BETplus.”

Late last month, Variety reported that Smollett will make his directing debut for "B-Boy Blues," which has been picked up by BET+ and appeared on their streaming platform on June 9. 

Smollett's first movie is reported to be an adaptation of James Earl Hardy's book of the same name, and it stars Timothy Richardson, Ledisi, Brandee Evans, Heather B, Marquise Vilson, Jabari Redd, Broderick Hunter, and Thomas Mackie.

In an official statement, BET+'s Devin Griffin said, "Through our content slate, we are intentional about representing the fullness of the Black experience, including that of the LGBTQ+ community."

He added, "'B-Boy Blues' is an artful, heart-rending film about the complexity of love – something we can all relate to."

Smollett worked on the script along with Hardy, which is described as "a clash of class and culture." The movie made its debut at the 2021 American Black Film Festival and took home the Narrative Feature Fan Favorite Award.

Mona Scott-Young had nothing but praise for the project, saying, "Falling head over heels and fighting for love are universal emotions and experiences, and we are so grateful to BET+ for shining a powerful spotlight on the still seriously underrepresented black LGBTQ+ community and bringing this impactful love story to an even greater audience."