Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit television series Empire. A multi-talented performer, Smollett received praise for both his acting and musical abilities, quickly becoming a fan favorite on the show. His open identity as a gay Black man also made him a symbol of representation in Hollywood.
However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he became the subject of a high-profile legal case involving allegations of staging a hate crime. The controversy significantly impacted his public image and career trajectory.
As of 2025, many are asking what Jussie Smollett is doing now. This article provides a detailed look at his recent activities, professional status, and public perception, following his fall from prominence.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Jussie Smollett began his career as a child actor, appearing in films such as The Mighty Ducks and North. He later starred in the short-lived sitcom On Our Own with his siblings. Despite early exposure, it wasn’t until 2015 that he gained mainstream recognition.
His breakthrough came with the Fox television series Empire, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. Smollett played Jamal Lyon, the musically gifted middle son of music mogul Lucious Lyon. His character’s emotional depth, vocal talent, and LGBTQ+ storyline earned critical acclaim and resonated with viewers.
During the show’s early seasons, Smollett released original music, performed live, and appeared on talk shows, expanding his influence beyond television.
Music Career and Artistic Ambitions
Outside of acting, Smollett has long pursued a career in music. He writes, produces, and performs original songs that blend soul, R&B, and pop influences. His debut album, Sum of My Music, was released in 2018 and included tracks focused on love, identity, and resilience.
Though his musical talent received positive reviews, the album was overshadowed by the legal controversy that would soon follow. Despite this, Smollett has continued to express himself artistically and has hinted at future music projects, even amid public scrutiny.
His songwriting and vocal style reflect his personal experiences and artistic heritage, which remains a cornerstone of his creative identity.
The 2019 Incident and Legal Fallout
In January 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to Chicago police that he had been the victim of a hate crime involving racial and homophobic slurs and physical assault. The incident prompted widespread media coverage and support from celebrities and activists.
However, weeks later, investigators alleged that Smollett had orchestrated the attack himself in an effort to gain publicity. He was arrested and charged with multiple counts of filing a false police report.
Smollett denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. The legal case became a media spectacle, dividing public opinion and raising questions about justice, truth, and celebrity influence. After a complex series of legal motions, Smollett was convicted in 2021 on five counts of disorderly conduct.
In 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and ordered to pay restitution and fines. He served a portion of his sentence and was released pending appeal.
What Is Jussie Smollett Doing Now?
As of 2025, Jussie Smollett is focused on independent creative projects while staying largely out of the mainstream spotlight. He is actively involved in film direction, music production, and low-profile public appearances.
In 2021, Smollett made his directorial debut with the film B-Boy Blues, an adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel centered on Black gay love and culture. The film premiered at the American Black Film Festival and received mixed but noteworthy attention for its representation and storytelling.
Smollett continues to work behind the scenes in entertainment, focusing on writing scripts, producing music, and supporting marginalized voices in media. While he has not been cast in major acting roles since Empire, he is slowly re-establishing himself through independent and community-centered projects.
Independent Film and Creative Direction
Smollett’s post-Empire work has shifted toward creative control. Through his production company, he is developing film and television scripts that explore identity, activism, and human complexity. He aims to highlight underrepresented narratives, particularly within Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
His directorial debut marked an intentional pivot—one that distances his career from traditional Hollywood pipelines while aligning with grassroots storytelling and artistic freedom. Smollett has expressed interest in further directing, especially in stories that center authenticity and emotional depth.
These efforts suggest a commitment to reshaping his professional narrative through thoughtful, purpose-driven content.
Public Image and Response
Jussie Smollett remains a polarizing figure. While some continue to support him, citing systemic injustices and over-policing, others see his case as damaging to legitimate victims of hate crimes. He has largely refrained from mainstream interviews, but his few public statements emphasize resilience, spirituality, and the importance of storytelling.
His social media presence is limited but focused on creative announcements and moments of reflection. He has thanked fans who stand by him while acknowledging the personal toll of the past several years.
Smollett appears to be taking a long-term approach to rebuilding his public identity—opting for consistency, transparency in his art, and a smaller, loyal audience over broad appeal.
Legal Status and Appeals
As of 2025, Smollett’s legal team is still engaged in appeals related to his 2021 conviction. His lawyers argue that his constitutional rights were violated and that prosecutorial overreach played a role in the trial’s outcome.
No new sentencing or trials have occurred since his brief incarceration in 2022. The legal proceedings remain ongoing in background court channels, with little public coverage in recent months. Smollett has not been involved in any new legal controversies since the original case.
While the legal system continues to process his appeals, Smollett has shifted his energy toward his career and personal well-being.
Mental Health, Faith, and Personal Growth
Smollett has spoken openly about the emotional toll of his legal ordeal. He has credited faith, therapy, and his support network with helping him navigate depression and anxiety during and after the legal battle.
He participates in wellness routines, including meditation, physical fitness, and spiritual study. These practices help him stay grounded as he rebuilds his life personally and professionally.
His experiences have led to a renewed focus on authenticity, inner strength, and the healing power of art. He uses these values to guide his current projects and daily life choices.
FAQs
Who is Jussie Smollett?
Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the TV show Empire. He is also a director, writer, and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the arts.
What is Jussie Smollett doing now?
As of 2025, Smollett is involved in independent filmmaking, music production, and scriptwriting. He directed the film B-Boy Blues and continues to work on projects centered on Black and LGBTQ+ narratives.
Is Jussie Smollett still acting?
He has not appeared in major acting roles since Empire but remains active in the entertainment industry through directing and producing. He is focused on smaller, independent platforms for his creative work.
What happened with Jussie Smollett’s legal case?
In 2019, Smollett was accused of staging a hate crime against himself. He was convicted in 2021 of filing false police reports. He served part of his sentence and is currently appealing the conviction.
Will Jussie Smollett return to mainstream media?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a return to mainstream television or film. He appears committed to rebuilding his career independently and on his own terms.