Overview:
Netflix has released The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, a new documentary directed by Gagan Rehill that reexamines one of the most polarizing cultural and legal controversies of the past decade. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with Jussie Smollett, the Osundairo brothers, law enforcement officials, and cultural commentators, the film explores how Smollett’s 2019 hate crime allegation became a national flashpoint at the intersection of race, sexuality, politics, and media narratives.
In 2019, the story of Jussie Smollett gripped the nation. The Empire star, once celebrated for his role on the hit Fox drama and his rising music career, alleged he had been the victim of a violent hate crime in Chicago. What followed became one of the most polarizing cultural and legal controversies of the past decade.
Netflix’s new documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, takes another look. Directed by Gagan Rehill (Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal), the film features never-before-seen footage and new interviews with Smollett, the Osundairo brothers—who told police they were paid to stage the attack—and law enforcement officials.
Revisiting a national flashpoint
Smollett reported in January 2019 that he was attacked in Chicago by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs, doused him with liquid, and tied a noose around his neck. The alleged crime drew widespread outrage and immediate support from celebrities and political figures. But as contradictions in his account surfaced, suspicion turned toward Smollett himself.
The Osundairo brothers, former extras on Empire and acquaintances of Smollett, told police he orchestrated the incident. The years that followed brought indictments, dismissals, convictions, appeals, and eventually the overturning of a guilty verdict in 2024. Throughout, Smollett has continued to maintain his innocence.
The documentary’s lens
Director Rehill frames the case as more than a celebrity scandal. He situates it within the political and cultural divides of the time. “The archives showed a world grappling with the MAGA movement, a rising BLM movement, and declining trust in both police and media. Jussie’s story sat at the intersection of it all,” Rehill said in an interview with Netflix.
The documentary includes perspectives from Smollett, his former attorneys, Chicago police officials, journalists, cultural commentators, and the Osundairo brothers. The mix of voices adds nuance to a case that continues to raise questions about race, sexuality, justice, and media narratives.
A complicated legacy
For some, Smollett’s story has become a cautionary tale about truth, public perception, and media influence. For others, it is the story of a Black gay man caught in a storm of politics, prejudice, and systemic distrust. The film does not claim to provide final answers. Instead, it challenges viewers to wrestle with the ambiguity themselves.
Where Smollett is now
Despite years of legal battles, Smollett has continued creating. He directed his debut film B-Boy Blues in 2021 and followed with The Lost Holliday in 2024. He is preparing to release a new album titled Break Out and will also appear in the next season of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
Release details
The Truth About Jussie Smollett? is now streaming on Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/81758844