“thank God”

Jussie Smollett releases new song protesting his innocence

Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett (Photo: Shutterstock)

Jussie Smollett has released a new song following his release from jail while he appeals his conviction.

Last month, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days behind bars and 30 months probation on five disorderly conduct charges related to reporting a hoax hate crime. He was released after six days.

Related: Jussie Smollett released from jail pending an appeal of his convictions

Besides his acting roles in shows such as Empire, Smollett was also attempting to establish a career as a singer before the scandal that derailed his life.

On the weekend, he dropped a snippet of a new track on his Instagram. It’s called ‘Thank You God’.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @jussiesmollett

“It’s like they’re hell-bent on not solving the crime, taking out the elements of race and trans and homophobia that’s straight taking lives, but turn around and act like I’m the one that killed the strides,” Smollett raps.

“But I can’t be mad, take my ego out, some people searching for fame, some people chasing that clout, just remember this … this ain’t that situation, you think I’m stupid enough to kill my reputation, just simply to look like a victim, like it’s something fun, y’all better look at someone else, you got the wrong one.”

“But I want to thank y’all, I know I still got you, this is for the people who kept it real, kept it true.”

On the chorus, Smollett sings, “Thank you God for showing me my enemies.”

Related: Jussie Smollett sentenced to jail, has courtroom outburst

Smollett says in an accompanying caption, “100% of the profits will be donated” to the non-profits Rainbow Push Coalition, Illinois Innocence Project, and Secure The Bag Safety.

Rainbow Push Coalition was formed in December 1996 by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Jackson describes its mission as to “protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.”

Through advocacy, education and reform, the Illinois Innocence Project Illinois works “to bring justice to the wrongfully convicted,” according to a mission statement on its website.

STB Safety is focused on “protecting the lives of our Black, Indigenous, People Of Color (BIPOC)/Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary (T/GNC/NB) siblings.”

Smollett included a link to his new track on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services.

Smollett was found guilty in December on five charges of felony disorderly conduct after making false reports about a hoax hate-crime attack in January 2019.

Jurors at his trial heard how Smollett had colluded with two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, to stage the attack. The brothers said he paid them $3,500. Smollett claimed the attackers yelled homophobic and racist slurs at him, doused him in a chemical bleach-like solution, and put a noose around his neck.

He has consistently denied faking the incident and maintains he’s the victim of a crime.

After being sent to jail, Smollett’s attorneys argued that he would likely have served his sentence by the time any appeal took place and should therefore be allowed out pending the outcome.

If an appeal fails, Smollett will likely be sent back to jail.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated