
For some reason, Jussie Smollett is back with a new Netflix documentary, and it’s pretty obvious where this is going.
The documentary, titled “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?,” revisits the hoax that led to the downfall of the former “Empire” star and gives him a platform to deny his involvement in the events that occurred. It comes just months after a civil settlement was reached between Smollett and the city of Chicago, and the actor spends a large portion of his screen time defending himself against allegations that he orchestrated his own attack.
Watch:
THE TRUTH ABOUT JUSSIE SMOLLETT? tells the shocking true story of an allegedly fake story that some now say… was true all along.
Premieres August 22. pic.twitter.com/vJzmDmuTWT
— Netflix (@netflix) August 14, 2025
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether someone likes me or doesn’t like me,” he said. “The fact is: I didn’t do that. And that’s all that matters.”
If you recall, Smollett made headlines in 2019 when he claimed that, while out for a late-night sandwich run, he was attacked by two men who draped a rope around his neck, called him homophobic and racial slurs, and poured bleach on him. Despite an initial outpouring of support from celebrities and politicians, it quickly became apparent that the “attack” wasn’t as black and white as Smollett had made it seem.
On January 29, 2019, city officials sued Smollett, accusing him of not only knowing the alleged “attackers” but planning the entire thing himself. The suit sought $130,000 in reimbursement for the expenses of investigating the hoax. The actor filed a countersuit, denying any involvement.
To its credit, the documentary also includes an interview with brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, who say they played the role of Jussie’s “attackers” and even wrote a book titled “Bigger Than Jussie: The Disturbing Need for a Modern-Day Lynching.” At Smollett’s trial, the brothers claim they were paid by the actor for their involvement in the fake hate crime.
“I believe he wanted to be the poster boy of activism for Black people, for gay people, for marginalized people,” Abimbola Osundairo said in the documentary.
Olabingo “thought it was crazy” when Smollett approached him, asking him to “beat him up.”
“But at the same time, I’m like, ‘It’s Hollywood.’ This is how it goes,’” the brother said.
The legal proceedings resulted in Smollett being found guilty on five criminal counts of felony disorderly conduct in 2021. He was initially sentenced to 150 days in jail with 30 months of probation, but that conviction was overturned in 2024 by the Illinois Supreme Court.
The court claimed that Smollett never should have been charged because he had entered a nonprosecution agreement with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Playing the role of a victim once again, the actor said in the documentary that he had been “playing whack-a-mole with rumors, with lies,” but “at a certain point, it’s too many, and you can’t catch them all.”
X users had plenty to say about the new doc:
LOL “some now say was true all along”
Oh do shut the fuck up Netflix you clowns
— @stevenvoiceover (@stevenvoiceover) August 14, 2025
Holy shit. The left really can’t put the woke away. If you can’t walk away from Jussie Smollett then your brain is just broken for good.
— Dan Cotter (@TheDanCotter) August 15, 2025
Yeah, no one says this was true all along.
— The Gourd King (@TheGourdKing) August 14, 2025
He is a lying dirt bag.
He should be vilified and shamed into obscurity. pic.twitter.com/UMcLrBCn6B— Brent Chandler Work Harder Winng Biggly (@BAChandler07) August 15, 2025
WOW, literally rewriting history, AGAIN. You’re absolutely worthless. Hope everyone cancels your ass.
— Golden Choice (@GoldenChoiceX) August 15, 2025
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
Success! Thank you for donating. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies.
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.