Jussie Smollett Reacts to Critics Who Say He Doesn’t Deserve 2nd Chance in Hollywood (Exclusive)

‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett is back to work with 'The Lost Holliday,' a film he directed and stars in alongside Vivica A. Fox, now playing in select AMC theaters. Jussie reflects on his conviction in a headline-grabbing hate crime hoax, which he is now appealing, and the changes he’s made to his life since the 2019 incident.

[@Whoeverwhateverwhenever]

He is shady af

[@sh.4409]

I'm surprised the Labour party in the UK ain't trying to recruit him.

[@michaelteale3335]

He still maintains his innocence??? Wow. Jussie, just admit that you did wrong here, apologize and move on.

[@user-yp9od3lx6l]

He is twisted in the mind.

[@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nk]

Let him be.

[@Tiajones333]

Don't come under this comment ​@@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nk

[@aaronmiles2802]

@@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nkI agree, he’s clearly a bit mentally ill

[@sarahb-rh9dd]

​@@user-yp9od3lx6lstop projecting

[@catval2940]

He should have to at least pay the city back all that money they spent acting on his lies!

[@mjmjmj50]

Karma never loses an address.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

What happens if Smollett lies to the public again or film directors?

[@cm4me]

I don't buy it. You can't get past it if you don't own it. You caused a lot of harm to people that speak the truth about what happened to them. Don't place blame. Just own it.

[@marissa._]

"Don't place blame. Just own it" This sounds exactly like something an abuser would say to a victim.

[@cm4me]

Ok??? Sorry if it hits too close to home darlin. I've never been an abuser nor a victim so I wouldn't know about the verbage.

[@marissa._]

@@cm4me 🤡

[@autofocus4556]

@@marissa._he abused himself lol

[@johnfinch4585]

​@@marissa._ sounds like something a professional victim would say.

[@CSC52698]

He tried to add fuel to a fire that unfortunately had never been put out. He's not sorry. He's sorry he got caught.

[@ABSG7]

Forget about Hollywood bro, get another job

[@michaelteale3335]

As a gay man, I felt betrayed by Jussie after what he did. I originally supported him after his claims about being attacked by 2 black men. Once the truth came out, I was horrified and extremely angry. So, no he doesn’t deserve a second chance to make things right.

[@nonyobussiness3440]

Worst part is he did it because he wanted to be paid more for his role in the drama series. Most people believe his contract regarding how much he was paid was pretty reasonable for the role the level of views he brought to the show. He had an inflated ego and distorted view of his stardom, drawing power in importance to the show, which is very weird and narcissistic to begin with, but then in his convoluted thought process he believed he can manipulate to getting a larger payment via through crime. Like he was willing take advantage of the racism and violence, black Americans face and have face for his benefit.

[@sh.4409]

That's weird. Why would you feel betrayed by someone you don't even know and doesn't give at about you just because you have gay.sex!

[@laurac9857]

Everyone deserves a second chance. The problem is he HASNT learned his lesson. He lacks no honesty, accountability, or remorse or empathy.

[@sarahb-rh9dd]

Oh my god don't do this don't make there ppl act a fool up in here

[@sarahb-rh9dd]

​@@sh.4409these ppl have lost their minds up in here🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️

[@BudzzableRides]

When he serves his sentence like a regular citizen would then fine. No your not a big boy Jussie, a real man would own up to his mistakes.

[@sh.4409]

That Carly woman needs shaming more too.

[@shabrinaz9877]

TRUTH is he was performing singing dramatically days after the 'attack' to multiple sold-out shows. Sit on that

[@MrTacosAndBurritos]

He doesn't

[@e.d.h.5605]

What a 🤡

[@TREEMONSTEROG]

The ridiculous confidence and commitment to gas lighting. This guy is a lunatic.

[@lawandabailey7480]

Jussie lost me as a fan the minute he staged his own hate crime beating. The nerve of this man not apologizing for that pisses me off. If he refuses to hold himself responsible for that scenario, why should i give him a 2nd chance?

[@ginarizzo1039]

Touché

[@momoftwobunnies]

😂 No thanks, you're the face of being a liar. LIAR! 🤦‍♀️

[@williamstrippoli9665]

He is an embarrassment to the LGTBQIA community, of which my husband and I are members. He is a disgrace. He refuses to acknowledge his truth, which is why he doesn't deserve forgiveness.

[@jamesshore3191]

What an idiot

[@miss7182]

Let me save yall 8:22 seconds, he stands by what he originally says and feigns innocence. Let’s all move on to the next topic

[@AVC07020]

I’m a gay male, and Democrat - he doesn’t deserve a second chance.

[@Physics072]

Gay and dummycrat? Double whammy so sorry. You can rise above it.

[@sh.4409]

Repent.

[@DerekDolcy]

😮tearincehoward needs to remove him from empire

[@lisamak7288]

He's a pos who should still be locked up. Unless he admits what he did, he deserves NOTHING.

[@vccvcc9694]

FILM IS GARBAGE AND HE IS ACTING PLEASE FEEL FOR THE COUNTLESS CHICAGO RESIDENTS WHO LOST OUT ON RESOURCES THEY NEEDED THAT WAS USED FOR HIM😮😮😮

[@CarolMoncebaiz]

Should have gone on Dancing with the Stars!😂

[@user-yp9od3lx6l]

❤😂

[@loriross7040]

⭐️Dude is a clown!!! With his kindergarten poster! 😂😂😂😂😂Lol …

[@Totallygrateful777]

Bad actor

[@marykay7878]

He creeps me out. People are entitled to rehabilitation after prison time, people are not entitled to be rich abd famous. Better and more talented people than him havent had the opportunities and income he has had, so why would he deserve to have it once more after being such an evil person?

[@kaydenevideo]

I don’t think it was wise for him to speak on previous issues. It just hasn’t worked in his favor. Silence is powerful.

[@kristaselene]

There’s millions of people with talent and integrity.

[@outlawaz1266]

Still holding on to that lie ....he ain't ready

[@AyeJaeBaby88]

He ruined a damn good show (Empire)....for that alone...he does NOT get a second chance. F**k Juicy

[@ginarizzo1039]

Wow still denying the incredibly obvious con! Dude own it, apologize and move on. This makes it worse for him! People would get it to say I screwed up it took a life of it’s own.. period!!! Nope ding dong thinks he’s believable.. you were caught lying.. hellloooooo! 🤦‍♀️He just destroyed any future by this interview..

[@MochiColorsZanos]

What would be the point for those brothers to lie and say they were paid by him? This is the guy who claimed to be the gay 2pac to garner more attention and "further" his career. Of course he won't take accountability for these charges. They're 5 felony charges. Of course he won't say he's guilty!

[@LOYALTYFORRENT]

He’d be so much better off (and would’ve been done by now) if he just did his time and THEN did interviews about wanting a second chance…. 🤡

[@l.d.8697]

Liar

[@user-yp9od3lx6l]

Go away Jay!! Go away!!!

[@stormieinapril9626]

Jussie- considering what is going on in Hollywood, I would rethink this.

[@jasoneaton9477]

Has he been to jail?? Lock him back up

[@henning439]

I bet that the dislikes outnumber the likes and they are hiding it, given that the comments I read are overwhelmingly negative.

[@kevinwalker5214]

Something we have all learnt since the Combs thing, is you have a people that will down their own. Big lesson, it seems if you don't comply you may die, or they'll take your career.

[@aaronmiles2802]

He’s a liar and destroyed his own career with his lie, I don’t know about all that other stuff you saying🤣

[@jlf115]

he doesn't deserve it

[@marissa._]

None of us were there. Isn't there an off chance possibility he might be telling the truth? 🤷 Genuinely asking.

[@jadesea562]

The people who were there said he hired them. There was a payment. There were videos of them buying stuff. They had nothing to do with "maga." They didn't care he was gay. They wanted to get opportunities in show business. They literally admitted all of this in interviews. Jussie is a bold faced LIAR and he wants people like you to buy his bullshit.

[@henning439]

No! He is not telling the truth.

[@aaronmiles2802]

Absolutely impossible

[@fernandasoares7645]

Juicy is a very stereotypical liberal. 💩🤢

[@Tamara-dv7vo]

He doesn't strike me as an honest person. But he still deserves a second chance.

[@henning439]

Unrepentant people do not deserve a second chance.

[@aaronmiles2802]

Are you mentally sound? In the very same sentence you admit he’s a liar and then claim he deserves a second chance🤣🤣

[@bcusaaus4749]

Never ever believed him! Admit you lied and let’s move on

[@nonyobussiness3440]

I forgive him and I think you should be able to live a free normal life, but continuing his career in the entertainment business as an actor, I don’t think it’s wrong that people don’t wanna work or hire him. He’s never apologized or admit fault or responsibility. You have to remember he committed his crime to get paid more.

[@jarednil69]

Why is grinning like that

[@lindawilkinson6912]

Because he is an actor. Bad one at that. Trying to convince people with his smile. Not working for anyone but his dentist.

[@kay9038]

Jussie, we serve a God of second chances. I wish you the best.

[@L.D.Intheditch]

If someone really attacked this Sack of waste they would never ever get a second chance. So he Should not either. Shame on you for entertaining him,and his lies.

[@brokerryan]

I want this psycho back, he's a great actor

[@Kelly-mi1yz]

Word salad…. We know who he is voting for.

[@michaelcote5944]

6:28 - 6:38 What he's actually answering here is the reason he won't tell the truth lol Since the whole thing was him trying to use his race and sexuality for either attention/sympathy/fame/money.....maybe all 4...who knows...he won't tell us lol

[@lyndajamrozik4786]

Ummm Jesse your pants are on fire 🔥

[@michellekup4274]

Hell no! He’s still a liar! He still won’t tell the truth!

[@sherileigh792]

"Narrative"? You mean the truth? Jussie "always the victim" Smollett.

[@collindaley9562]

He will always be a bullshit artist

[@DerekDolcy]

😮he dosent after what he did fake crime he really dont

[@newman8180]

If that hot mess Donald Trump that's currently running for president get away with all the crap he's done and still doing, and be allowed to run for highest in the land then I 'm willing to give Jussie another chance. Because the only person he hurt with what he allegedly did was himself.

[@EastStarc]

I would never trust this person! What a terrible lie!!! No sane person does this Worthless! Stop justifying yourself

[@green-oq9mn]

He did it and lied. He is a liar .

[@dadillonful]

Remember when Kamala called it a modern day lynching? 💀

[@lindawilkinson6912]

And then she and Cory Booker passed a modern day, lynching law.

[@nargly8208]

He is disgusting.

[@lahlahluv8380]

The boy who cried 🐺 😂

[@cassieluv7869]

What a shameless actor

[@davestube]

wow so he's still lying... got it.

[@BrianSchaffer]

Hell no. People who have some choice words for an opposite color don’t get a second chance, someone that tried to make it look like a hate crime against him never should get a second chance.

[@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nk]

Everybody deserves a second chance. Let him be ..

[@marissa._]

@@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nk Not everyone but I agree with the last part.

[@henning439]

People had moved on he is the one forcing himself upon us. He is the one who should let us be. He does not deserve a second chance as long as he is unrepentant.

[@marissa._]

@@henning439 How is forcing himself upon you? I haven't about him years. What does he have to repent for? Again, none of us were there. We don't actually know what took place. Like I said before, off chance possibility of truth. I'm not saying he is or isn't truthful. I would hope he's telling the truth. I don't know. I remember when Monique got blackballed and she stood on her truth.

[@henning439]

@@marissa._ Common sense, his accomplices, evidence all say that he is not telling the truth. By giving this interview he is forcing himself upon a public that cancelled him. And that hoax might be the main thing he will always be remembered for, no matter how many films he produced or directs. Taking responsibility might seem difficult to some people, but it is the best way to redemption.

[@aaronmiles2802]

@@marissa._You’re definitely a bit touched in the head🤣 The evidence was overwhelming

[@menagoubran6080]

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@ramonafiordalizanunez3479]

He deserves a second chance 🙏

[@gbr1-s6e]

But only in France

[@brandieeversole-yt8ru]

I love you no matter what! I believe you! Big fan ❤

[@gbr1-s6e]

You love a French Actor? Nice ❤

[@FranciscaIgwekalor-yf5nk]

Welcome back Smollett

[@gbr1-s6e]

Welcome in Paris ❤