Entertainment

Empire’s Jussie Smollett turns director as he lands first job since alleged hoax attack scandal


Actor Jussie Smollett is back to work as a director while awaiting his case over the alleged hoax attack (Picture: AP)

Former Empire star Jussie Smollett has been seen back on a set for the first time since he landed charges for allegedly staging an attack against himself.

The actor, who faced controversy last year, hadn’t been seen on a work set since making headlines in 2019 and now that star’s getting the chance to call the shots from behind the camera.

The 38-year-old has started production on new movie B-Boy Blues, which has seen him take on the challenge of being a director.

The actor was spotted among the cast and crew in New York, wearing a vibrant jacket which had the slogans ‘born to win’ and ‘freedom here’ on it.

Jussie kept a mask on in between giving out directions to a cast which included the likes of Broderick Hunter, Ledisi and Brandom Evans.

The sighting came weeks after Jussie took to Instagram Live to maintain his innocence ahead of appearing in court for his ongoing case with the city of Chicago.

The Empire star made headlines after he was accused of staging a hate crime against himself (Picture: Scott Kirkland/REX/Shutterstock)

The actor is accused of staging a hate crime against himself after he reported being attacked by masked men who hurled racial and homophobic abuse at him in January 2019.

He had filed a police report claiming he’d been beaten by the men who had also put a noose around his neck.

Jussie claimed his situation was ‘beyond frustrating’ and he stated: ‘Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I am so angry, but other times if I squint real hard I can see the silver lining.’

Speaking about a recent development in his case that involved the city of Chicago requesting that the FBI hand over records of their investigation into Jussie’s case as well as his lawyers filing a motion against his current indictment which will be held on Thursday (September 10), Jussie is still not holding his breath that it will be over soon.

He explained: ‘If I’m being completely honest, no I don’t think that… They won’t let this go. You know what I’m saying? They won’t let this go. It doesn’t matter…

‘The sad part is that there is an example being made of someone who did not do what they’re being accused of.’

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MORE: Jussie Smollett takes to Instagram Live to maintain innocence ahead of court appearance for ongoing case

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