Jussie Smollett Now: 5 Shocking Updates On His Career, Overturned Conviction, And New Music In 2025

The tumultuous journey of Jussie Smollett, the actor and musician best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit series Empire, has taken several dramatic turns in 2024 and 2025. Following his highly publicized legal battles stemming from the 2019 alleged hate crime hoax, Smollett is actively working to rebuild his professional life, focusing on his multifaceted talents as a director, actor, and recording artist. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most significant update is the recent overturning of his conviction, a development that dramatically reshapes his future prospects.

Smollett has not shied away from the spotlight, embracing new projects behind and in front of the camera, all while navigating the complex aftermath of his legal ordeal. His commitment to his craft is evident in a string of recent and upcoming releases, signaling a determined effort to move past the controversies that once defined his public persona. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at what Jussie Smollett is doing now.

Jussie Smollett: A Complete Biography and Profile

Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. He is one of six performing siblings—JoJo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui—who all share a background in the entertainment industry. His family life is marked by his biracial heritage; his mother, Janet Harris, is African-American, and his late father, Joel Smollett, was a Jewish electrical engineer and photographer whose family emigrated from Russia and Poland.

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• Full Name: Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett
• Born: June 21, 1982
• Birth Place: Santa Rosa, California
• Parents: Joel Smollett (Father, deceased) and Janet Harris (Mother)
• Siblings: JoJo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui Smollett
• Ethnicity: Biracial (African-American and Jewish)
• Known For: Jamal Lyon in Empire (2015–2019), The Mighty Ducks (1992), B-Boy Blues (Director, 2021)

The Legal Labyrinth: Conviction Overturned and Lawsuit Settled

The biggest news surrounding Jussie Smollett’s life in late 2024 and 2025 involves a major breakthrough in his protracted legal battle with the City of Chicago. While the initial 2019 incident and the subsequent trial led to his conviction on five felony counts for staging a hate crime hoax, the legal narrative has recently shifted dramatically.

Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Conviction

In a stunning and highly publicized development, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction. This ruling, which came in late 2024, found that the actor had been unjustly prosecuted after the initial Cook County State’s Attorney’s office had agreed to drop the charges. The decision effectively nullifies the guilty verdict and removes the felony convictions from his record, marking a significant legal victory for the former Empire star. This legal resolution is the most critical factor in his ability to fully resume his professional career in the United States.

Resolving the Civil Lawsuit

In addition to the criminal case, Smollett also faced a civil lawsuit from the City of Chicago seeking to recoup the costs of the police investigation. This matter, too, has been resolved. In May 2025, Smollett agreed to a settlement, which involved him making a $50,000 charitable donation to a local foundation. This agreement put the civil lawsuit behind him, allowing him to focus entirely on his future projects without the immediate threat of ongoing legal action.

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Jussie Smollett’s Resurgence: New Directing, Acting, and Music Projects

With his legal issues largely resolved, Jussie Smollett is prioritizing his return to the entertainment industry, not just as an actor, but as a director and musician, showcasing his diverse talents. His recent output demonstrates a clear pivot toward creative control and independent projects.

Feature Directorial Debut and Sophomore Film

Smollett made his feature directorial debut with the film B-Boy Blues (2021), an adaptation of the James Earl Hardy novel, which premiered on BET+. This project was a critical first step in his career pivot. He followed this up in 2024 with his sophomore feature film, The Lost Holliday, which he both directed and starred in. The film, which also features veteran actress Vivica A. Fox, marks his first acting role in a major production since his departure from Empire.

• Directorial Projects: B-Boy Blues (2021), The Lost Holliday (2024)
• Recent Acting Role: Co-starring with Vivica A. Fox in The Lost Holliday

A Return to Reality TV and New Music

Smollett has also made a cautious return to television, though not in a scripted drama. He participated in the reality series competition Special Forces, where he was seen putting his physical and mental grit to the test. This appearance was a significant move for an artist attempting to re-engage with a wide audience.

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Musically, Smollett is preparing for a major release. He is set to release his sophomore album, titled Breakout, in August 2025. This album follows his 2018 debut, Sum of My Music, and is viewed by many fans and industry observers as a crucial part of his professional comeback. His recent interviews often touch upon his new music, his recent engagement, and his determination to move forward.

The Netflix Documentary and Public Perception

The public's interest in the 2019 incident remains high, evidenced by the release of a new Netflix documentary titled *The Truth About Jussie Smollett?* This documentary, which features interviews with officials and witnesses, aims to explore the bizarre events of the alleged hate crime hoax. The ongoing media coverage and public discourse continue to shape the narrative around Smollett, forcing him to address the controversy even as he attempts to focus on his new career path.

Despite the persistent scrutiny, Jussie Smollett maintains his innocence regarding the original incident. His current strategy appears to be a dual-pronged approach: allowing his legal team to fight the remaining battles while simultaneously creating new work that speaks for itself. By taking on roles as both a director and actor, and by focusing on his music, Smollett is attempting to redirect the conversation from his past legal troubles to his future artistic contributions. The coming years, especially with the release of his new album and the success of his directorial efforts, will be the ultimate test of his ability to fully reclaim his place in Hollywood.