In All Things of Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett has agreed to a $50,000 payment to a Chicago-based nonprofit organization as part of a settlement with the City of Chicago. The payment is tied to a civil lawsuit filed by the city to recover costs from its investigation into Smollett’s widely publicized 2019 false hate crime report, per TMZ.
According to reports, the funds will go to the Building Better Futures Center for the Arts, a local organization that provides underserved youth with access to mental health services, performing arts, and creative programs.
The lawsuit initially sought more than $120,000 from Smollett, following his 2021 conviction on five counts of disorderly conduct related to filing a false police report. However, in 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction as part of a plea deal with Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. That agreement included community service and the surrender of a $10,000 bond.
Smollett’s financial contribution to the nonprofit now marks a new chapter in closing out the legal and public scrutiny surrounding the case.
“Make no mistake—today’s ruling has nothing to do with Mr. Smollett’s innocence,” Special Prosecutor Dan K. Webb said at the time. “The Illinois Supreme Court did not find any error with the overwhelming evidence presented at trial… or the jury’s unanimous verdict.”
Under the terms of the new settlement, the “Empire” actor is not obligated to admit wrongdoing. Instead, the City of Chicago agreed to accept the donation to a local nonprofit as an alternative to pursuing further legal action.
Smollett has consistently denied the allegations. In a 2022 interview on “Sway in the Morning,” he stated,
“I’d be a piece of s—t if I did what I was accused of.”
Did You Know?
When celebrities partner with nonprofit organizations, the impact can be powerful and far-reaching. Their influence brings heightened visibility to critical causes, helping nonprofits reach broader audiences and attract new donors, volunteers, and media attention. These collaborations also lend credibility and amplify fundraising efforts, while allowing celebrities to use their platforms for meaningful change. Ultimately, it’s a win-win—nonprofits gain awareness and support, while celebrities align their brand with purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
