EXCLUSIVE: Jussie Smollett Breaks Silence After Reaching $50k Donation Settlement in Chicago Civil Lawsuit
- cedrichalljr
- 51 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Exclusive | News & Opinion
After six years of legal battles, speculation, and relentless media scrutiny, actor and artist Jussie Smollett has broken his silence in an exclusive statement shared with Gaye Magazine. The former Empire star has settled the City of Chicago’s civil lawsuit against him with a $50,000 donation to charity, but he makes it clear: this was not a concession of guilt.
“These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do. Today, it should be clear…They have received neither.”
In January 2019, Smollett reported being a victim of a hate crime. What followed was a swirl of public doubt and legal maneuvering, culminating in a now-overturned conviction and years of reputable damage.
In 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously ruled in his favor, voiding his previous conviction for falsely reporting a hate crime and affirming that his constitutional rights had been violated.
Now, instead of paying the city the $130,000 it originally sought, Smollett will make a $50,000 charitable donation to Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a Chicago nonprofit that provides underrepresented youth access to creative outlets and artistic development.
“Chicago was my home for over 5 years and the people became my family,” Smollett said. “Making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are often too neglected by those in power will always be something I support.”
Smollett won’t stop there. Reflecting his long-standing advocacy for marginalized communities, he’s also donating $10,000 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, an organization supporting survivors of police violence and wrongful conviction.
He shared, “To anyone who has had to prove they have in fact been violated, you know how difficult this can be to navigate. I stand with and for you.”
Smollett acknowledges that despite legal vindication, public opinion may never fully be in his favor. Still, he says he’s focused on moving forward: creating his art, fighting passionately for causes he holds near and dear, and defending his integrity and family name with the truth.
“Your prayers and belied in me mean more than words can properly express. I will never take it lightly and will never forget. Onward.”
Check out Jussie's official statement here:
