“It’s been frustrating, to say the least. It’s been beyond frustrating, because to be somebody that… speaks up for so much and speaks up about so many things, it’s been difficult to kind of be quiet – to not be able to say all the things you want to say, to yell from the rooftop, because I don’t think people realize that I’ve just been wrapped up in some form of a case for the last approaching two years.
When I step back, I can see the way they served the narrative to the people: That it was intentionally created to make people doubt from the very, very beginning. But at the same time, I’m not really living for the people that don’t believe. … All I can do is know that out of all the jokers in this entire situation, I am the only human being who has not changed his story one time in order to meet someone’s agenda.
I’m certainly not going rogue – I’m still taking the advice of my attorneys and everything, but I just don’t really see what staying quiet has done or where it’s gotten me. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I am so angry, and then other times I wake up and if I squint real hard, I can see the silver lining.”–Former Empire actor Jussie Smollett, speaking publicly for the first time in a year about his highly publicized fall from grace and ensuing legal issues.
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o.codone
She sure is pretty. But she better get used to some kind of day job, because she’s destroyed her career.
Black Pegasus
This dude actually believes his own lies. I don’t know if he’s a classic narcissist or a craven psychopath.
Anthonyshine
I always thought he looked smug in all his pics. Maybe he should hook up with Aaron Carter and maybe make a couple hundred bucks. But I don’t think anyone even cares right now.
Liquid Silver
Yeah? Bye, now. Don’t lie to me.
Neoprene
He was SUCH an incredible French actor. Shame what happened.
ducdebrabant
The male Tawana Brawley.
Cam
If he has proof, or has some great legal argument that’s going to blow a whole in the case, I assume he would have released it because his career is based on public perception, not how a legal case comes out years later.
Hey, if that evidence emerges, fine I’ll change my mind, but for now, if he isn’t going to offer some proof, probably better that he just stays quiet and doesn’t keep putting his name in the news.
Ronbo
All charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped. Right? Our justice system cleared him when the usual MO is to shoot to kill.
Are these comments demonstrating pure racism or is it something else?
jayceecook
The original charges were dropped. However he was indicted again and is facing six “new” charges after Kim Foxx’s office magically dropped all the original charges after some BS deal was supposedly made. Despite the fact that a month prior she said she was going to recuse herself from the case because of her connection to J.S.
So it is most definitely “something else”.
Vince
Same with OJ Simpson. Not believing him doesn’t make you a racist.
Jared MacBride
Smollett is the only racist in this story.
rbernard
Jesse Smollett must accept he screwed up, was fired for a reason, and he needs another day job.
Hdtex
Don’t go away mad. Just go away.
jayceecook
Marc Lamont Hill and Jussie Smollett. A perfect match made in hell.
o.codone
OMG, truth. Truth here on Queerty. Marc Lamont Hill thought he was such hot poo when he went to Columbia University to be a big shot. Then got himself fired. Couldn’t listen.
Both Jussie and Marc are delusional racist nut jobs. Any questions?
WSnyder
The story didn’t add up for me from Day One. He claims being assaulted and walks around for over an hour with the noose still around his neck. Think about that for a sec. You have this heavy rope noose hanging off your neck and you walk around with it there? Nobody would do that unless you want as many people as possible to SEE it there.
It’s like if someone pulled your pants down to your ankles and assaulted you and then for the next hour you walk around with your pants down so that everyone sees? Nope. Not a natural, human reaction. But for someone who wants some ‘proof’ to the story and for people to say ‘yes, I saw him with the noose’ to corroborate his ‘story’, you’d make sure people saw it. But it’s not how someone who was attacked would react, they’d want that thing off and gone. Not buying it, not for a second.
BaltoSteve
So, let’s break this little puppy down for a moment. Why was this interview done? Nothing new is said. Everything is left as vague as possible. What is the point of the interview, other than to see how the court of public opinion has changed since the latest round of police killings and civil unrest. To get his name out there and see if they attitudes toward what occurred in his case are more favorable. Someone’s legal team is earning their fees!
Kangol2
Is this a free ad for his upcoming OnlyFans? Just remember to set your price low, Jussie, because you really blew it with the lack of apology or even fake contritiion!
frapachino
Racists like him need to be canceled forever!
curiobi
How many times Trash bag troll? STFU and just go away. You are not funny. You are not wanted. You are not needed. Just leave.
LukeHeavens
I agree! In fact, I agree so ardently I’m gonna use 2 exclamation points!!
LukeHeavens
Silver Lining: he can rest easy now that he’s knows for sure he’s crazy. And so can we.