Jussie Smollett Settles with Chicago, Donates $50K to Arts Charity, Maintains Innocence in Final Statement

Jussie Smollett has reached a settlement with the city of Chicago, marking the end of a years-long legal dispute surrounding his controversial 2019 hate crime allegations. Rather than admit guilt or pay restitution directly to the city, Smollett agreed to make a $50,000 charitable donation, which led to the dismissal of the civil lawsuit against him.

In a statement shared on May 23, Smollett expressed that this settlement allowed him to move forward without conceding to the accusations he continues to deny. He reiterated that city officials failed in their efforts to extract money or a confession from him for what he describes as a false narrative.

Donation Reflects Chicago Roots, Personal Values, and Commitment to Artistic Youth Empowerment

Smollett explained that the donation was made to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a nonprofit supporting creative expression among Chicago’s youth. Despite his legal conflict with the city, Smollett emphasized his emotional ties to Chicago, where he had lived and worked for over five years. He saw the settlement as an opportunity to give back to underserved communities and support a cause aligned with his values. Smollett viewed this choice as a way to ensure that something positive could emerge from a painful chapter in his life.

Although his convictions were overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024, Smollett acknowledged that public perception remains divided. Nevertheless, he firmly maintained his innocence, stating that both God and the legal system recognize his truth. He expressed his intention to leave the matter behind and focus on his creative work and advocacy efforts. The actor emphasized his commitment to defending his integrity and family name despite the toll the case has taken on his reputation.

Advocating for Justice and Moving On After a Tumultuous Legal and Personal Journey

Smollett extended his support to others who face similar legal challenges, highlighting the struggles of those without the financial means to fight unjust accusations. To honor them, he donated an additional $10,000 to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, which aids victims of violence and police misconduct. Smollett underscored how many individuals are pressured into false confessions, contrasting their plight with his own ability to afford a defense. His gesture was both a tribute to those individuals and a statement against systemic injustices in the criminal justice system.

Smollett concluded his statement by thanking his supporters and reiterating his resolve. He recounted the original 2019 incident, where he alleged he was attacked in a racially and homophobically motivated assault — claims later challenged by law enforcement and prosecutors who accused him of staging the event.

Despite his 2021 conviction and brief jail time, he consistently denied orchestrating the attack. Now, with the legal proceedings concluded, Smollett looks to rebuild his life and career, focusing on creative expression and advocacy, carrying forward both his message and the lessons from a tumultuous six-year ordeal.