The 39-year-old actor walked the red carpet for the first time since his alleged attack and controversy in 2019, days before his trial.
Jussie Smollett attended the New York City premiere of his film “B-Boy Blues,” his directorial debut, on Friday, Nov. 19. This was the former Empire actor’s first red carpet appearance as the screening occurred only days before Jussie confronts a Chicago jury on disorderly conduct charges resulting from an alleged staged hate crime he claimed in 2019.
The actor reported to authorities in January 2019 that he had been the victim of a racially motivated hate crime in Chicago. He was then charged with fabricating fake police reports and is scheduled to go on trial later this month.
According to E! News report, he claimed two masked guys wrapped a noose around his neck and dumped chemicals on him while chanting racial and homophobic obscenities, as well as a proclamation of support for then-President Donald Trump, at the time. Police detained the actor a month later, despite mounting doubts about his story, and accused him of paying two brothers $3,500 to orchestrate the attack.
Smollett’s attorneys attempted to get the case dismissed, but the court refused, and the trial will begin on November 29. The accusations have been filed against him, and he has pled not guilty.
On Saturday, November 20, Smollett raved about his latest outing through Instagram Story, saying, “Beyond humbled by last night’s screening.”
“To see all the love for the film is crazy beautiful. More to come while I catch up but to everyone who came out last night with so much love and community … on behalf of everyone @bboybluesthefilm, Thank you. We love y’all. Now to find a home for it so the whole world can see.”
Reactions to Jussie Smollett Makes His First Appearance In 2 Years
Not this
Not this https://t.co/QuMscTI0jA
— 🌈MOE (@dointhemoest) November 22, 2021
He’s fucked. 😂
He’s fucked. 😂
— Vyaidi (@BrandonIsWhoIAm) November 22, 2021
So he went from acting to the carpet cleaning business I guess.
So he went from acting to the carpet cleaning business I guess.
— r sin (@Roccosinis) November 22, 2021
Naw not ready to see him yet!!!
Naw not ready to see him yet!!!
— Adriann Wood (@AdriannWood) November 22, 2021