Jussie Smollett, the former Empire star whose name became synonymous with controversy after a headline-grabbing legal saga, is stepping into a new era—one marked by artistic ambition, personal milestones, and a determined bid to reclaim his narrative. After a six-year battle that saw him at the center of a national firestorm, Smollett is emerging with fresh projects, a renewed sense of purpose, and, perhaps most notably, a new fiancé by his side.
Smollett made headlines in January 2019 when he reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. The story quickly took a dramatic turn as police alleged the actor had staged the incident. What followed was a cascade of legal proceedings, public scrutiny, and a city lawsuit seeking to recoup investigation costs. According to People, after years of courtroom drama, Smollett finally settled his civil lawsuit with the city of Chicago in 2025. The agreement required him to pay a charitable sum, and in exchange, the city dropped its case, effectively closing a turbulent chapter in his life. The settlement, as reported by People, marks the end of a six-year ordeal that saw Smollett’s convictions overturned and his reputation fiercely debated in the court of public opinion.
Throughout the ordeal, Smollett maintained his innocence, a stance he reaffirms in the newly released Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett? Premiering on August 22, 2025, the documentary offers Smollett’s perspective, in which he places blame on the Chicago Police Department and former mayor Rahm Emanuel for what he describes as a miscarriage of justice. The Supreme Court of Illinois’s decision in November 2024 to overturn his convictions provided a turning point, allowing Smollett to begin looking forward again.
And look forward he has. Smollett has returned to the entertainment industry with vigor. He directed the acclaimed films B-Boy Blues and The Lost Holliday, the latter featuring a notable on-screen partnership with actor and producer Jabari Redd. The pair’s chemistry was evident both on and off the screen, but it wasn’t until June 2025 that Smollett publicly announced his engagement to Redd, his longtime partner. The proposal, which took place on a picturesque sidewalk in Florence, Italy, was shared with fans via Instagram. "He said YES," Smollett wrote, posting photos of the emotional moment when he slid a diamond ring onto Redd’s finger. The couple toasted their engagement with champagne, a fitting celebration after years of keeping their romance private.
Redd, who was born and raised in Westbury, New York, brings his own impressive credentials to the partnership. With three siblings and a background as a standout athlete in football and track at Westbury High School, Redd’s journey to the entertainment world was anything but linear. He attended Hampton University before transferring to Morehouse College, where he studied kinesiology and competed in hurdles. In a July 2024 interview with Gaye Magazine, Redd reflected, "There came a point where I had to do some self-reflection and figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Acting was No. 1."
His pivot to performance paid off. Redd has been acting since 2012, earning acclaim for his role as D.C. in B-Boy Blues, which was written and directed by Smollett. Beyond acting, he’s produced music videos for rapper Soulja Boy and contributed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Uproar Hip Hop Festival in 2021. Redd’s résumé also includes a recurring role on Showtime’s The Chi and, of course, his starring turn in The Lost Holliday alongside Smollett. The film’s story, centered on family, grief, and unexpected connections, mirrored the real-life partnership that blossomed between its leads.
For years, Smollett and Redd kept their relationship under wraps. As Redd explained during a September 2024 appearance on Way Up with Angela Yee, "I’m unavailable, and I’m in love. It’s been about a year,"—without revealing that his then-boyfriend was sitting across the table. Smollett echoed the sentiment, saying, "I too am unavailable and deeply in love." Their discretion only added to the surprise and delight when they went public with their engagement, drawing warm congratulations from family. Jurnee Smollett, Jussie’s younger sister, commented, "Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you. Welcome to the family @jabariredd." Jazz Smollett added, "Congratulations you 2. I pray blessings cover you as you've covered each other."
As Smollett’s legal troubles fade into the rearview, he’s not just focused on romance. He’s channeling his energy into a creative renaissance. His sophomore album, "Break Out," is set for release in September 2025, signaling a return to his musical roots. He’s also signed on to compete in Fox’s reality series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, a move that underscores his resilience and willingness to embrace new challenges. It’s a comeback that, according to People, is as much about personal growth as professional redemption.
Redd’s career, too, continues to flourish. His path from aspiring doctor to actor and producer is a testament to the power of self-discovery. As he told Gaye Magazine, acting became his life’s calling after a period of deep reflection. The partnership between Smollett and Redd extends beyond romance—they have become creative collaborators, supporting each other’s ambitions both on set and off. At the premiere of The Lost Holliday in 2024, Redd told Gaye Magazine, "Working with Jesse is just a real safe space." That sense of mutual respect and comfort has clearly translated into their personal lives.
Smollett, for his part, has expressed a desire to become a father—a new chapter that he hopes will define his legacy. As he moves forward, he’s determined to build a life that his future children can be proud of, one shaped by perseverance, creativity, and, above all, authenticity. The Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, offers viewers a chance to reconsider his story from his perspective, but it’s Smollett’s actions in the months and years ahead that may ultimately reshape public perception.
For now, the spotlight shines not on scandal, but on second chances and new beginnings. As Smollett and Redd prepare for marriage and continue their respective careers, they do so with the support of family, friends, and a community eager to see what comes next. The saga that began with headlines and courtroom drama has given way to a story of resilience, reinvention, and, yes, love.
