Jussie Smollett has checked into a rehabilitation treatment facility, and a rep from his team says the actor has been dealing with difficult years amid his infamous case in Chicago.
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The rep told TMZ that Smollett has had “an extremely difficult past few years” and is “quietly working very hard for some time now.” They noted that they are proud of the actor for taking the necessary steps to get help. As previously reported, Smollett has been dealing with his ongoing appeal in his Chicago criminal case after being found guilty of lying to police about an alleged attack in 2019.
Smollett’s case made headlines after he told police he was attacked by two Trump supporters who put a noose around his neck. After the verdict, Smollett was sentenced to spend 150 days in jail but was released early due to his appeal. The outlet also reported that the actor has been spotted on film sets in Los Angeles and has an upcoming project with Vivica A. Fox.
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In 2021, he released a single titled “My Party” and starred in the independent film B-Boy Blues. He is also set to star in the upcoming BET+ film B.L.A.C.
Smollett’s breakout role came in 2015 when he was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire. His performance on the show was critically acclaimed, earning several N.A.A.C.P. Image Award nominations. In 2017, he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film for his work on Empire.
He began his career as a child actor in 1991, appearing in the film The Mighty Ducks. He went on to star in the short-lived ABC sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995) with his five real-life siblings. In 2012, he returned to acting with the leading role in Patrik-Ian Polk’s LGBT-themed comedy-drama The Skinny.
Social media also reacted to the news of Smollett entering rehab and had different opinions.
Head Creep of the Smollett Hate Empire. The people of Chicago are waiting on your derelict payment for services rendered. The inmates at my place of birth 26th and California and Sheriff Tom Dart would appreciate a sizable canteen donation in your hateful families name. Grandma too !