Jussie Smollett Settles Lawsuit by Donating $50,000 to Chicago Charity

Jussie Smollett, the actor embroiled in a high-profile hate crime allegation case, has agreed to donate $50,000 to a Chicago charity, concluding a lawsuit filed against him by the city. This decision comes after a series of legal battles stemming from accusations of his dishonest reporting of an attack in 2019.

In the settlement announced by Chicago's law department, Smollett's contribution will go to Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a nonprofit serving disadvantaged youth in Chicago. Initially, city officials sought to recoup $130,000 from Smollett to cover the investigatory costs incurred by law enforcement during the case. However, the settlement reached instead designates a donation meant to benefit the community.

The fallout began back in January 2019 when Smollett, who identifies as both black and gay, reported an assault involving racial and homophobic slurs. He alleged that two men attacked him, applying a noose around his neck, and pouring an unknown chemical substance on him. The incident sparked widespread media attention and support from various celebrities condemning the violence.

Ultimately, investigations revealed doubts about Smollett's claims, leading to allegations that he orchestrated the entire event. In 2021, he was found guilty of lying to police, yet the conviction was overturned in 2022. A spokesperson for the Chicago law department stated this latest settlement aims to serve as a constructive resolution to close a lengthy and tumultuous six-year chapter for all involved parties.