Jussie Smollett has finally settled his civil lawsuit with the city of Chicago after years of legal battles, per people.com. The agreement, which brings his six-year ordeal to a close, requires Smollett to pay a charitable sum in exchange for the case being dropped. The settlement follows a tumultuous journey that began in 2019 when the actor claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime.
The narrative quickly shifted as police charged Smollett with staging the attack. Though his convictions were later overturned, the city of Chicago pursued a lawsuit to recoup investigation costs.
With the legal saga now behind him, Smollett is focused on rebuilding his career. He maintains his innocence in a new Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, and has cast blame on the Chicago Police Department and former mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Smollett has also made a return to the entertainment industry. He directed the films B-Boy Blues and The Lost Holliday, and is set to release his sophomore album, “Break Out,” in September 2025. His comeback includes a return to Fox, where he will compete on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
On a personal note, Smollett is also embarking on a new chapter. In June 2025, he announced his engagement to his partner, Jabari Redd, and has expressed a desire to become a father. For Smollett, this new beginning is not just about his career, but about creating a legacy his future children will be proud of.
•Featured image: Jussie Smollett/Amy Sussman/Getty Images
