*Jussie Smollett shared a heartwarming announcement on Instagram, revealing his engagement to actor Jabari Redd.
The post, made June 21, on his 43rd birthday, featured a series of photos capturing Smollett proposing on one knee, with Redd beaming with joy. “I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé … He said YES.” Smollett captioned the post.
Redd, recognized for his work in “The Chi” and the 2024 film “The Lost Holliday,” directed by and starring Smollett, was warmly welcomed into the family by Smollett’s sisters. Jurnee Smollett expressed her excitement, commenting, “screaming with tears of joy!” and adding, “my whole heart loves both of you.” Jazz Smollett echoed the sentiment, writing, “Yaaaass!!! Welcome to the family Jabari!!! Love y’all!! Sooooo happy for you both.”
The joyful news comes as Smollett resolves a prolonged legal battle with the city of Chicago, stemming from a 2019 incident where he was accused of staging a hate crime. Smollett reported being attacked by two men using homophobic and racist slurs, but authorities later alleged he paid brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo $3,500 to orchestrate the event.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, told police he was assaulted by two men hurling racist and homophobic slurs. But the case quickly unraveled after brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo were detained and later alleged that Smollett paid them $3,500 to carry out the fake attack. Police backed their claims, concluding Smollett staged the incident to boost his public profile.
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Initially charged with filing a false police report, Smollett faced a conviction in 2021 for disorderly conduct. However, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned this in November 2024, citing a prior nonprosecution agreement. Recently, a civil settlement was reached with Chicago, with Smollett agreeing to donate $50,000 to a local nonprofit, as reported by NBC News.
Reflecting on the resolution, he stated on Instagram, “What I have to do now is move forward,” Smollett said. “I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Jussie Smollett Reaches Settlement with Chicago Over 2019 Hate Crime Hoax Case
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