Overview

• Jussie Smollett and the City of Chicago have reached a confidential settlement over the 2019 hate crime hoax investigation costs.
• The city initially sued Smollett in April 2019, seeking $130,000 to recover expenses incurred during the police investigation.
• Smollett's conviction for filing a false police report was overturned in November 2024 by the Illinois Supreme Court, citing due process and double jeopardy violations.
• The finalization of the settlement awaits a court hearing scheduled for May 29, 2025, with no public disclosure of settlement terms so far.
• The case, which began with Smollett's false claims of a racially and homophobically motivated attack, became a flashpoint for debates on race, politics, and media accountability.