It’s been five years since Jussie Smollett’s hate crime hoax and just like everyone elseLee Daniels, still doesn’t know what to make of it.
In a recent conversation on “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and guest co-host Loren Lorosa, Daniels discussed his relationship with Smollett, who starred in his show “Empire.” When asked where he stands with the actor, Daniels revealed that they occasionally text and mentioned that Smollett has a movie coming out very soon. However, he acknowledged that the situation overall is complex, stating, “Life is so complicated.”
“That whole situation was complicated, and I still don’t know what to believe,” Daniels said of Smollett being convicted of faking a racist and homophobic attack in 2019 and then [allegedly] lying to police about it. “Some people say, ‘he did do it, he didn’t do it…’ God bless him on his journey.” When asked if there might be a chance for Smollett to return, Daniels expressed his willingness to work with him again, stating, “He’s a son to me and also represented the movement I tried to start.”
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As we previously reported, Jussie Smollett, was involved in a highly publicized case after he reported being the victim of a hate crime in January 2019. He claimed that two men attacked him, yelled racist and homophobic slurs, and tied a noose around his neck. However, following an investigation, it was later revealed that Smollett had allegedly staged the attack, leading to his arrest.
In December 2021, Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. In March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, along with 30 months of probation. As a result he was also ordered to pay restitution of about $120,000 to the city of Chicago and a fine of $25,000.
Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and has appealed the conviction. While he has laid pretty low since the incident he has slowly made his return to the screen.
As for Lee Daniels, he’s currently promoting his new film with Andra Day called the ‘The Deliverance,” which is our now.