‘I couldn’t make sense of it…’: Jussie Smollett talks about fallout from alleged 2019 hate crime hoax

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to physical assault.

Jussie Smollett got serious as he reflected on the alleged 2019 hoax in which two men allegedly attacked him and it was later revealed that he had allegedly paid them for the stunt. In his recent interview with People magazine, he talked about the impact it had on him and how he dealt with it.

Smollett, an openly gay person, told the outlet, “I was numb,” adding that he didn’t know how to connect the dots. He said: “I really didn’t know. I couldn’t understand what was going on and I couldn’t understand what people were actually thinking…what exactly did they think happened? I couldn’t put two and two together.”

The actor believed that there was no way people would believe such speculations, many of which, he claimed, came from those who hate him. He explained that they had “a mission.” He felt disconnected from everything and to this day cannot understand “what the hell that was.” He mentioned that it was difficult and that he wouldn’t pretend everything was fine in front of the world.

Smollett expressed that he has sought self-reflection and healing in the years following the incident, calling the process difficult. The actor said he is still struggling with the consequences of the “narrative.” The Empire alum further explained, “At the same time, it’s not in my head, it’s not in my soul, it’s not in my mind.”

Smollett continued: “People can say whatever they want about you, but they have no control. They can do whatever they want. They can even put you behind bars. They can control your physical body, but they cannot control my mind. You can’t control my mind. They cannot control my soul, and they cannot control the knowledge I have of who I am.

For those who don’t know, in 2019, the actor claimed he was attacked by two people while walking home from a Subway sandwich shop in New York. He claimed the attackers shouted homophobic and racist slurs, allegedly tied a rope around his neck and doused him with bleach.

After an investigation, authorities claimed the incident was staged to attract media attention. The two people involved, brothers Abimbola “Bola” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, were reportedly paid $3,500 to perform the stunt.

In 2021, the Mighty Ducks star was found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct after a jury trial for providing false information to investigators.

In 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, a $25,000 fine, and over $120,000 in restitution for overtime costs incurred by the Chicago Police Department. The actor was released on bail six days into his sentence pending an appeal, which is still pending.

General Disclaimer: If you need support or know someone struggling with domestic violence, assault or abuse, please contact your nearest mental health specialist, NGO or talk to someone about it. There are several hotlines available for this purpose.

READ ALSO: Recap: When Taylor Swift spoke about her friendship with Beyoncé, calling her “a person’s most precious jewel.”