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The Unseen Comeback: What Jussie Smollett Is Doing Now After His Legal Battle

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Jussie Smollett is currently navigating a pivotal phase of his career, focusing on new music and film projects while simultaneously managing the final, complex stages of his high-profile legal battle stemming from the 2019 Chicago incident. As of December 2025, the actor and singer has put his legal drama behind him by settling the civil lawsuit with the City of Chicago, but his criminal conviction remains a point of contention before the Illinois Supreme Court, setting the stage for a dramatic and highly anticipated return to the public eye through new creative works.

The former star of the hit show Empire is actively pursuing a creative resurgence, with a sophomore album scheduled for release and a new acting role confirmed, signaling a clear intention to move past the controversy that derailed his career. This article provides the most up-to-date look at Smollett’s life, career, and legal standing, detailing his recent activities and what fans can expect from him in the near future.

Jussie Smollett: A Comprehensive Biography Profile

Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett is an American actor, filmmaker, and singer, born on June 21, 1982 (some sources cite 1983) in Santa Rosa, California.

  • Full Name: Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett
  • Date of Birth: June 21, 1982 or 1983
  • Place of Birth: Santa Rosa, California, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Parents: Janet Harris and Joel Smollett (Jewish father, African-American mother)
  • Siblings: Five siblings, including actress Jurnee Smollett, with whom he co-starred in the 1994 ABC sitcom On Our Own.
  • Early Career: Began his acting career as a child, appearing in films like The Mighty Ducks (1992) and North (1994).
  • Breakout Role: Achieved widespread fame as Jamal Lyon, a gay singer-songwriter, on the Fox musical drama series Empire (2015–2019).
  • Music Career: Released his debut album, Sum of My Music, in 2018.

The Current Legal Status and Settlements (Late 2024–2025)

The most significant recent developments in Smollett’s life center on the resolution of his long-running legal disputes with the City of Chicago and the ongoing appeal of his criminal conviction.

Resolution of the Civil Lawsuit

In 2025, Jussie Smollett reached a settlement in the civil lawsuit filed against him by the City of Chicago. The city had sought to recoup the substantial costs—reportedly over $130,000—expended during the investigation into the 2019 incident.

The settlement, which effectively ended a six-year legal battle, required Smollett to make a $50,000 charitable donation to the Building Bridges Foundation, a local organization. This agreement closed the chapter on the financial claims made by the city, allowing Smollett to finally move forward with his professional life.

The Ongoing Criminal Conviction Appeal

Despite the civil settlement, Smollett’s criminal conviction remains a contentious legal issue. In December 2021, he was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police about the staged attack.

Smollett’s legal team filed an appeal petition to the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2024, requesting the high court intervene in his case. The core of the appeal often centers on whether a valid agreement existed with the state to drop charges earlier in the process.

As of early 2025, the legal process is still active. The Illinois Supreme Court granted an extension for filing a brief to April 9, 2025, indicating that the matter is still under review and far from a final resolution. The outcome of this appellate process will determine the final legal ramifications of the 2019 hate crime hoax case.

A Creative Resurgence: New Music, Film, and Directing Projects

With the civil lawsuit resolved, Jussie Smollett is dedicating his time and energy to his creative pursuits, particularly in music and filmmaking.

The Sophomore Album: Break Out

Smollett has made a significant return to his music career. He signed a deal with Rowdy Records and is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, titled Break Out, in September 2025.

The album follows his 2018 debut, Sum of My Music, and is a key part of his effort to re-establish himself in the entertainment industry. The new music is expected to reflect his journey and experiences over the past several years.

Return to Acting: The Lost Holliday

Smollett is also making his first major acting return since his departure from Empire. He will be appearing on Fox in a new project called The Lost Holliday. While details about his role are still emerging, this marks a crucial step in his attempt to revive his acting career following the controversy.

Directorial Focus: B-Boy Blues and Future Films

Beyond acting and singing, Smollett has been actively working behind the camera. He made his feature directorial debut with the film B-Boy Blues. This move into directing is a strategic shift, allowing him to maintain a creative presence in Hollywood while navigating the challenges of his public image.

His focus on filmmaking, including the production of *B-Boy Blues*, highlights his versatility as an artist. This directorial venture is a clear indicator that he is not waiting for a full-scale acting comeback but is instead creating his own opportunities.

The Netflix Documentary: The Truth About Jussie Smollett?

Smollett’s story is set to receive renewed national attention with the release of a new documentary.

A 2025 Netflix documentary, tentatively titled The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, is scheduled for release. Directed by Gagan Rehill and produced by Raw TV, the film is expected to revisit the highly publicized 2019 incident, the subsequent investigation, and the resulting legal fallout.

This documentary will undoubtedly bring his case back into the public discourse, offering a fresh perspective on the events and the media frenzy that surrounded them. For Smollett, this project represents both a challenge and an opportunity to address the narrative that has defined his life since 2019.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Defined by Creative Work

Jussie Smollett is currently in a period of intense creative output, defined by a strategic pivot toward music and directing. The resolution of the civil lawsuit with the City of Chicago and the impending decision from the Illinois Supreme Court on his criminal appeal have created a window for him to rebuild his professional life.

With a new album, Break Out, and an acting role in The Lost Holliday, Smollett is clearly determined to move forward. His current activities demonstrate a focus on self-generated projects and a commitment to his identity as a multifaceted artist, even as the shadow of the Chicago hate crime hoax case continues to define his public narrative. His journey in 2025 is a testament to the complex path of a celebrity attempting a comeback after a career-altering controversy.

what is jussie smollett doing now
what is jussie smollett doing now

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