Jussie Smollett: From a Tragedy to a Hoax

Jussie Smollett: From Tragedy to Hoax

Charges against Jussie Smollett have recently been dropped, but when it comes to his career and the trust of the community, is it a done deal? Some people still believe this was a publicity stunt, from a Hollywood A-lister with a sense of entitlement. How has Smollett’s accusations harmed the gay community? How did they harm his status as a black man, as a whole?

The Chicago police department were scrutinized heavily due to their “handling or mishandling,” of shootings taking place inside of the black community, specifically Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old boy that was unlawfully shot by the Chicago police, so when it came to Smollett’s accusations it was all hands-on deck to investigate the crime of Fox TVs biggest TV star.

Smollett, who is both African American and gay, rose to stardom from his role on “Empire.” He was arrested Jan. 29 for claims he made of being ambushed and assaulted by two individuals wearing MAGA hats after leaving a club early one morning near his apartment in Chicago. He was rushed to the hospital and treated, but things didn’t quite add up for the police.

First, investigators felt the bruises appeared to be self-inflicted, many of Smollett's phone records were questionable. Police said that Smollett was unhappy with his pay and the attack was staged for the benefit of his career. Police classified the allegations as a hoax and moved forward with filing charges against the actor.

“I do think he faked the attack, but I also respect him as an activist for the gay community,” said B. Butler, a gay male student at Texas Southern University (TSU).

There are so many different perspectives when it comes to what’s real and what isn’t. Another source confirmed the men who Smollet claimed attacked him were paid $3,500.

Smollett said the check written to the men was for his personal training sessions and a meal plan. Some supporters of Smollett accept that as a valid explanation but in some cases certain media professionals find the story to be inconclusive and unimportant.

“The story has not affected the black community as a whole, those who are a part of that immediate circle could find this relatable, the average person doesn’t care about the story other than the fact that a black man could have lied,” Arthur Murray, TSU media professor and former KHOU 11 News Chief Editor.

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