Jussie Smollett Speaks Out After Settling Lawsuit With The City Of Chicago

Actor and singer Jussie Smollett has addressed his lawsuit settlement with the City of Los Angeles.

Reports revealed the "Empire" star had agreed to pay $50,000 to charity after the Chicago police wanted him to pay $130,000 to cover investigation costs.

The situation emanated from 2019 when Smollett claimed to be a victim of a racist and homophobic attack. However, the case had many twists and turns, with the singer accused of lying to law enforcement, although he has always maintained his innocence.

On Friday, Smollett took to his Instagram page to express his feelings after settling the lawsuit with the City of Chicago.

In the first part of his statement, he firmly reiterated his long-standing claim of innocence and criticized the city's officials for allegedly pushing a false narrative.

Smollett said, "Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, City Officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself."

He continued, "This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear. These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do."

He added, "Today, it should be clear .... They have received neither."

Smollett clarified that his $50,000 payment was voluntary and would benefit a nonprofit organization. He also stressed that it wasn't a payment to the City of Chicago.

The actor explained, "The decision to settle the civil lawsuit was not the most difficult one to make. After repeatedly refusing to pay the City, I was presented with an opportunity to make a charitable donation in exchange for the case being dismissed."

He continued, "Despite what happened there politically, Chicago was my home for over 5 years and the people became my family. Therefore, making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support."

Smollett revealed, "I've made a $50,000.00 direct donation to Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts (BBF), a local nonprofit doing incredible work nurturing self expression, creativity and exploration of the arts for Chicago youth."

He explained further, "This organization was of my choosing and I'm comforted that there will be at least one winner from this experience."

In his closing remarks, Smollett referenced his exoneration and acknowledged the ongoing public skepticism. He pledged to continue his advocacy and creative work while also using his platform to uplift those who lack the means to defend themselves.

"Though I was exonerated by the Illinois Supreme Court in a unanimous decision and the civil case will now be dismissed, I'm aware that it will not change everyone's mind about me or the attack I experienced," he said.

"However, despite arduous and expensive attempts to punish me, I am innocent in the eyes of God and our criminal justice system. What I have to do now is move forward. I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth."

He also said, "Lastly, I'm grateful to have had the resources to defend myself. So many do not. They are backed into corners to take deals or confess to crimes they did not actually commit. In their honor, I am donating an additional $10,000.00 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center who provides resources to communities healing from the violence of the Chicago Police Department. "

"The Skinny" star added, "To anyone who has had to prove they have in fact been violated, you know how difficult this can be to navigate. I stand with and for you."

He concluded, "To everyone who has supported me, thank you. Your prayers and belief in me mean more than words can properly express. I will never take it lightly and will never forget. Onward."

In January 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was assaulted in a hate crime involving racial and homophobic slurs. He was treated at the hospital and released the same day. A police investigation later concluded that Smollett had orchestrated the attack by paying two brothers, who were acquaintances, to stage the incident.

A grand jury indicted Smollett for filing a false police report. However, in March 2019, the charges were dropped after he agreed to forfeit his $10,000 bond and perform 16 hours of community service. The City of Chicago later sued him to recover over $130,000 in investigative costs.

In response, Smollett filed a countersuit claiming reputational damage and maintaining his innocence.

Due to public backlash and allegations of prosecutorial leniency, a special prosecutor re-investigated the case.

In 2020, Smollett was indicted again on six counts of felony disorderly conduct. He stood trial in late 2021 and was found guilty on five counts.

In March 2022, he received a sentence of 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and was ordered to pay over $120,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine.

Smollett appealed the conviction, arguing it violated his constitutional protections since he had already fulfilled an informal agreement in 2019.

Though lower courts upheld the verdict, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed his conviction on November 21, 2024, ruling that retrying him breached his due process rights.