Jussie Smollett Checks Into Rehab

Jussie Smollett has checked into an outpatient rehab facility for treatment, following a series of tumultuous public events.

"Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps."

The statement didn't specify what treatment he is seeking, however, during a highly publicised trial following a January 2019 incident, it was reported Smollett had been provided with a range of illegal substances.

In March 2022 he was sentenced to jail time and probation, over a hate crime hoax that was staged, and for filing a false police report in connection with the incident. 

He received 30 months probation, including the first 150 days spent in jail, and was ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution, as well as a $25,000 fine.

He was released after less than a week, pending appeal which is ongoing.

Smollett is a Black man that is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and claimed on January 29th, 2019, while on his way home from Subway, two men attacked him late at night.

He claimed the men, who were masked, yelled racist and homophobic remarks during the assault, and put a rope around his neck, dousing him in bleach.

During proceedings, it was announced by Fox CEO Charlie Collier, Smollett's role on 'Empire' as Jamal Lyon would be nixed for the final season.

At the time, his co-star Taraji P. Henson supported him on multiple occasions.

“We miss Jussie. He’s family to us. There’s no way we can throw five years of family away. I miss him.” 

Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence. 

"I am not suicidal, and if anything happens to me when I go [to jail], I didn't do it to myself and you must all remember that."

Not even a week after his sentencing, it was announced he would be released from jail, while appealing his conviction.

Court documents stated the order was granted because "the defendant has been convicted on non-violent offenses" and the court "will be unable to dispose of the instant appeal before the defendant would have served his entire sentence of incarceration."

At the time, one of his attorneys, said, "We are gratified that Jussie will be back with his family and loved ones and look forward to a dispassionate review and reversal of the serial injustices visited upon him." 

He kept a low profile following the hoax, and made his first red carpet appearance in years for a screening of his directorial debut 'B-Boys Blues.' This was in November 2021.

"To see all the love for the film is crazy beautiful. More to come while I catch up but to everyone who came out last night with so much love and community … on behalf of everyone @bboybluesthefilm, Thank you. We love y'all. Now to find a home for it so the whole world can see."