Jussie Smollett is attacked. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Celebrities

Jussie Smollett: Innocent Until Proven Guilty?

The media has made it extremely hard to not jump straight to judgment against Jussie Smollett in the recent court case, so here's the evidence we were given.

36
Jussie Smollett: Innocent Until Proven Guilty?

In This Article:

"Empire" star Jussie Smollett said he was attacked in an alleged hate crime incident on January 29th of 2019 by two men in the early morning. Then he was indicted on charges he staged the attack. Then all the charges were dropped.

If you had a hard time keeping up with all the developments, you're not alone. Here's a brief summary of the timeline:

Jussie Smollett is attacked.

On January 29th, two men attacked Jussie around 2 a.m. hitting, and yelling, racial/homophobic slurs at him. He then drove himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was treated and in "good condition."

Police begin their search.

January 30th, at least a dozen detectives are set to work on the case to find the suspects. Part of their search included studying nearby security footage.

Back to performing.

Febraury 2, Smollett performs a concert in California, claiming he "couldn't let his attackers win."

Phone records?

February 12, Smollett wouldn't turn over all of his phone records because he wanted to protect the privacy of other contacts not involved in the incident.

A staged attack.

February 16, it was reported that Chicago police begin investigating whether or not the Empire actor staged his own attack and paid the two potential suspects to carry it out. He was officially named a suspect on February 20.

16 charges.

March 8, a grand jury indicts Jussie Smollett for 16 counts of disorderly conduct.

All charges dropped.

March 26, all 16 charges were dropped due to the evidence not being enough to win the case, allegedly.

With this brief timeline, here's what we know. The media was all over this case. I left what I felt were smaller details out of the case because there was almost a daily development in the investigation. Jussie was attacked by two men, an extra from Empire, and the extras brother. Eventually, phone records were revealed to show Jussie was in contact with both men before the attack. He claimed the communication was for nutrition and fitness advice, but that's a little hard to believe. Once the 16 charges were brought for allegedly faking his attack, they have dropped shortly after. With other recent events like "Operation Varsity Blues," this looks extremely suspect.

Media interference made it difficult to not jump straight to the conclusion that this attack was a hoax. I have been following this case and once it was stated that it was possible that he staged the attack, pieces started to fall into place (in my opinion). Using the evidence we were given, it makes sense that he would stage the attack if he felt he wasn't being paid enough, or needed a larger fan base. He also was not severely beaten. In this sort of case, it would only make sense that he was jumped, not punched once in the face (from what I gathered from news sources it was only one time), and then had a noose wrapped around his neck and left alone. Then he was able to drive himself to the hospital. In my opinion, if this were a real attack, he would have more severe injuries.

The previous contact with the two men doesn't look any better considering the timing. How is it that they knew he was going to be getting off a Subway at 2 a.m.? This makes it easier to believe this was staged. Fast forwarding passed the charges, once they were dropped so much confusion followed. The media made it seem like he was guilty and that the case was an easy win based off of the evidence that was provided. Instead, all of a sudden the charges are dropped and it's difficult to not assume that the reasoning behind that is his influence both financially and his level of fame.

I believe there's more to this story than what we have been given since "Empire" has recently reinstated him, I will also stand with him mainly because his trial didn't seem like it was very fair due to media involvement and we are all guaranteed a fair trial.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Honorary Roommate
Rachel Zadeits

For some of us, coming to college was the first time we ever had to share a room. It was a big change, but a fun one. As you meet more and more people over the course of your college career, it seems to be a pattern that you will at some point have that one friend that doesn't live with you, but acts like they do. We call those people, "Honorary Roommates" and here are 11 signs you have one in your life.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why It's Awesome When Your Best Friend Gets New Friends

She may not be with you 24/7 but it's all good because you're soul sisters.

916
super friends
Gabi Morales

We all have a person, and when that person makes some new friends, we tend to forget all the great things that can come out of it. Never forget how special they are to you and why you are best friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
mountains

If you're like me, then the last semester kicked your butt, big time. Lots of papers, projects, and overall chaos. While some things are beyond our control, there are some things you can do to make this semester one of your best ones yet!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

8 Cringey College Tinder Stories

. Cringey Tinder stories from some Tinder girls

2862
a man and a woman sitting at a table
Photo by Good Faces on Unsplash

Toilet Troubles

"So, usually I would never go on a Tinder date but when you are out with girlfriends and a hot Bosnian guy says he wants to hang with you and his friends, you oblige. We head to their apartment and when I realized I may pee my pants if I don't find a bathroom soon. I ask for the bathroom and a friend of my tinder date shows me to it and said in all seriousness that I was not allowed to flush the toilet under ANY circumstances. Having a few drinks--or five--I relieved myself to, nevertheless, flush the toilet. Within seconds, his bathroom was flooded and towels were laid out everywhere to catch the toilet water. To say the least, we were not invited back"

Keep Reading...Show less
Girl with a Guy Bestfriend
vignette3

I can confidently say that about 90 percent of all the friends I have are male. It's just always been that way since I was a kid. Over the years, I've heard a lot of things and I've learned a lot of things, and here it all is. Enjoy!

If you're a girl with a guy best friend you know that...

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments