What Is Jussie Smollett Doing Now in 2025? Career Update

If you’re wondering What Is Jussie Smollett Doing Now, you’re not alone. The former Empire star has been making headlines again, but this time for his career comeback rather than controversy. In 2025, Smollett is actively rebuilding his life with reality TV, new music, and film projects.

Quick Answer: Jussie Smollett’s Current Activities

Jussie Smollett is currently starring in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 4 on Fox, which premiered in September 2025. He’s also released a new R&B album called “Break Out,” directed and starred in the 2024 film The Lost Holliday, and got engaged to actor Jabari Redd. After his 2021 conviction was overturned in November 2024, Smollett is focusing on rebuilding his acting and directing career.

Let’s dive deeper into what Jussie Smollett is doing today and how he’s working to move forward after years of legal battles.

Jussie Smollett’s Reality TV Comeback

The biggest news about what Jussie Smollett is doing now involves his appearance on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. This reality competition series puts celebrities through the same grueling challenges used in actual Special Forces selection processes. Think of it as the American version of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Smollett joined Season 4, which began airing in September 2025. During the premiere episode on September 25, he opened up about his motivations for joining the show. He told cameras that he saw this as a “reset” opportunity, saying, “I was called a liar with everybody believing something that was not true.”

The show is known for pushing celebrities to their absolute limits. Contestants face extreme physical challenges, sleep deprivation, and intense psychological pressure. For Smollett, participating in Special Forces represents more than just another TV appearance. It’s a chance to show the public a different side of himself and prove his resilience.

What makes this particularly interesting is that Special Forces airs on Fox, the same network that produced Empire, the show that fired him back in 2019. His return to Fox programming signals a potential thawing of industry relationships.

Jussie Smollett’s Music Career in 2025

Music has always been a passion for Smollett, and he’s actively pursuing it now. In September 2025, he released “Break Out,” a new R&B track that marks his return to the music scene. This isn’t his first album though. Back in 2012, he released “Poisoned Hearts Club” during his initial return to entertainment.

The timing of “Break Out” is significant. The song title itself reflects Smollett’s current journey, breaking free from the constraints of his past and moving forward. While streaming numbers and commercial performance haven’t been widely reported, the release shows that Smollett is committed to his artistic expression.

During his time on Empire, Smollett’s character Jamal Lyon was a musician, and the show featured many of his musical performances. These performances were well-received by fans, proving that Smollett has genuine musical talent beyond acting. Now, he’s leveraging that talent as part of his career rebuild.

Acting and Directing Projects

When people ask what is Jussie Smollett doing now in terms of film work, there’s actually quite a bit happening. In 2024, Smollett starred opposite Vivica A. Fox in The Lost Holliday, a film he also directed. This marked his first acting role since being written out of Empire in 2019.

But The Lost Holliday wasn’t his first time behind the camera. In 2021, Smollett made his feature directorial debut with B-Boy Blues, a romantic drama that showed his capabilities as a filmmaker. The film was based on James Earl Hardy’s novel and focused on LGBTQ+ themes, something Smollett has been passionate about representing throughout his career.

Working with Vivica A. Fox on The Lost Holliday was particularly notable. Fox is a respected veteran in Hollywood, and her willingness to collaborate with Smollett suggests that he hasn’t been entirely blacklisted from the industry. Instead, he’s finding opportunities with supporters who believe in giving him a second chance.

These directing projects are strategic. While acting roles may be harder to come by given his controversial past, directing allows Smollett to control his own narrative and create opportunities for himself. It also showcases a different skill set and positions him as a multi-talented creator rather than just an actor.

Jussie Smollett’s Personal Life and Engagement

On a more personal note, Smollett’s life now includes an exciting development. In June 2025, he confirmed on Instagram that he’s engaged to Jabari Redd, an actor and producer. The couple reportedly began dating in 2023, and their relationship has remained relatively private.

This engagement represents a bright spot in what has been a challenging few years for Smollett. Redd has been supportive throughout Smollett’s legal battles and career struggles. Having a stable personal relationship while navigating professional challenges can make all the difference.

Smollett has always been open about his identity as a gay Black man. His character Jamal Lyon on Empire was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a gay Black musician in a mainstream drama. Now, Smollett is living his truth publicly, sharing his happiness with fans who have continued to support him.

Understanding the Background: What Happened to Jussie Smollett?

To fully understand what Jussie Smollett is doing now, we need context. In January 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he had been attacked by two men who made racist and homophobic slurs. He claimed they punched him, wrapped a rope around his neck, and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.

The incident immediately sparked national attention. Smollett was a rising star on Empire, one of Fox’s biggest shows at the time. Celebrities, politicians, and activists rallied around him, condemning what appeared to be a hate crime.

However, the investigation took an unexpected turn. Police arrested Obabinjo “Ola” Osundairo and Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo, who had worked as extras on Empire. Initially considered persons of interest, the brothers were soon released. Police then alleged that Smollett had paid the brothers $3,500 to stage the attack because he was unhappy with his Empire salary.

By February 20, 2019, police charged Smollett with disorderly conduct and filing a false police report. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson held a press conference claiming Smollett “took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.”

The Legal Rollercoaster

The legal journey has been complicated. In March 2019, Smollett pleaded not guilty, but the charges were dropped just weeks later. Prosecutors cited his community service and forfeiture of his $10,000 bond as reasons for dismissal, though they still believed he was guilty.

This didn’t sit well with Chicago officials. The city’s mayor and police department publicly disagreed with the decision. The city then sued Smollett for investigation costs, leading to a years-long civil case.

In February 2020, a special prosecutor brought six new charges against Smollett for lying to police. His trial began in November 2021, and by December 2021, a jury found him guilty on five of six counts. In March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail and ordered to pay $145,000 in fines and restitution.

Smollett spent only six days behind bars before being released pending appeal. His legal team worked for over two years on that appeal, and in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction. The court ruled that Smollett should not have been charged again after the initial 2019 charges were dropped, as this violated his rights against double jeopardy.

The 2025 Civil Settlement

In May 2025, Smollett reached a settlement with the city of Chicago, ending the civil lawsuit that had dragged on for six years. Instead of paying $130,000 directly to the city for police investigation costs, Smollett agreed to donate $50,000 to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a Chicago nonprofit supporting underprivileged youth.

In a now-deleted Instagram post, Smollett addressed the settlement. He wrote that city officials “wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do. Today, it should be clear… They have received neither.” He called it a “difficult” decision but said supporting Chicago communities “will always be something I support.”

This settlement was significant because it closed a major chapter. The city spokesperson said the agreement provides “a fair, constructive, and conclusive resolution, allowing all the parties to close this six-year-old chapter and move forward.” That’s exactly what Smollett appears to be doing now.

Career Impact and Industry Response

The scandal devastated Smollett’s once-promising career. Empire creator Lee Daniels initially defended Smollett but later said he felt “beyond embarrassed” for doing so. Smollett was written out of the show’s final season, losing what was reportedly a $125,000 per-episode salary.

However, relationships in Hollywood are complex. Daniels revealed in a 2024 interview that he still talks to Smollett. “He was a son to me,” Daniels said. “It’s so complicated, guys. It’s so complicated. Life is so complicated.” When asked if he’d work with Smollett again, Daniels didn’t rule it out entirely.

This suggests that while Smollett’s reputation took a massive hit, some industry figures haven’t completely closed the door on him. His ability to secure projects like The Lost Holliday with Vivica A. Fox and his appearance on Special Forces shows that opportunities still exist, even if they’re not at the level he once enjoyed.

What Jussie Smollett’s Net Worth Looks Like Now

Money matters when discussing what Jussie Smollett is doing now. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Smollett’s estimated net worth is around $300,000. This is a significant drop from his Empire days.

During his time on Empire, Smollett earned approximately $65,000 per episode in the early seasons. By Season 5, his salary had increased to about $125,000 per episode. This was still lower than lead stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, who earned between $225,000 and $250,000 per episode, but it was substantial income nonetheless.

The legal battles took a financial toll. Between legal fees, the $25,000 fine, and the $50,000 settlement donation, Smollett spent considerable sums defending himself and resolving the case. Now, his income comes from smaller independent projects, reality TV appearances, and music releases, none of which likely match his Empire earnings.

The Netflix Documentary and Public Perception

What is Jussie Smollett doing now to address public perception? He participated in multiple documentaries about his case. In 2023, he appeared in “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax,” and in 2025, Netflix released “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?”

The Netflix documentary features Smollett maintaining his innocence while also including perspectives from officials, witnesses, and the Osundairo brothers. These documentaries serve multiple purposes for Smollett. They keep his name in public conversation, allow him to present his side of events, and potentially rebuild sympathy among audiences who might be open to his perspective.

Public opinion remains divided. Some people believe Smollett was wrongly accused and that his conviction being overturned proves his innocence. Others maintain that the overturn was a legal technicality rather than proof of innocence. This split in public perception affects how Smollett navigates his comeback.

Who Is Jussie Smollett? A Look at His Background

Before the controversy, Smollett had an interesting career trajectory. He started as a child actor and model, appearing in 1990s films like The Mighty Ducks and North. He also starred with his five siblings in the sitcom “On Our Own” from 1994 to 1995.

After this early success, Smollett took a 17-year hiatus from acting. In a 2016 interview with Out magazine, he explained: “I wasn’t a child star. I was just a working actor. And then I wasn’t a cutesy kid anymore, but I also wasn’t a leading man.”

When he returned to entertainment, he made brief appearances in The Mindy Project in 2012 and released his first album. But Empire was his true breakout. His portrayal of Jamal Lyon, a gay musician navigating his family’s music empire while dealing with homophobia, earned critical acclaim and made him a role model in the LGBTQ+ community.

The role was personally meaningful for Smollett. As an openly gay Black man, he brought authenticity to Jamal’s struggles and triumphs. The character helped normalize LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television, particularly within Black families and communities where such topics were often taboo.

Lessons from Similar Celebrity Comebacks

When considering what Jussie Smollett is doing now, it’s worth looking at other celebrities who’ve attempted comebacks after scandals. The entertainment industry has a complicated relationship with redemption. Some celebrities successfully rebuild their careers while others never recover.

Robert Downey Jr. overcame serious legal troubles and addiction to become Iron Man and one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. Martha Stewart served time in federal prison but rebuilt her empire. Winona Ryder faced shoplifting charges but returned to prominence with Stranger Things.

However, others have struggled to regain their footing. The key factors in successful comebacks often include: taking accountability, showing genuine personal growth, having supporters willing to give them opportunities, possessing undeniable talent, and timing the comeback appropriately.

Smollett’s situation is unique because he maintains his innocence rather than taking accountability. This makes his path more challenging. However, his legal victory in having his conviction overturned provides a different kind of validation that other celebrities didn’t have.

Future Projects and Career Outlook

So what is Jussie Smollett doing now in terms of future plans? While specific upcoming projects haven’t been announced, his current activities suggest several possible directions.

His success with directing could lead to more opportunities behind the camera. Independent filmmaking allows creative control and doesn’t require major studio backing. Smollett could continue developing projects that tell stories important to him, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ characters and people of color.

Music appears to be another focus area. If “Break Out” gains traction, we might see a full album release. Music offers Smollett a way to connect with fans directly without needing industry gatekeepers’ approval. He can release music independently and build an audience through streaming platforms and social media.

Reality TV could provide additional opportunities. Special Forces demonstrates that reality shows are willing to cast Smollett. If his appearance goes well and audiences respond positively, other reality programs might follow suit. Reality TV offers exposure and income while potentially rehabilitating his public image.

The Role of Social Media in His Comeback

Smollett has been strategic with social media. His Instagram presence allows him to control his narrative, announce projects, and engage with supporters. The platform has been crucial for sharing updates about his engagement, settlement, and new releases.

However, he’s also selective about what he shares. The fact that he deleted his Instagram post about the settlement shows he’s cautious about public statements that might be misconstrued or used against him. This careful approach suggests Smollett has learned from past experiences about managing public perception.

Social media also allows Smollett to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. He doesn’t need magazine interviews or TV appearances to reach his audience. He can speak directly to fans, share his work, and build community with people who support him.

Support from the LGBTQ+ Community

One factor in understanding what Jussie Smollett is doing now is recognizing his continued support within segments of the LGBTQ+ community. Some advocates view him as someone who was unfairly targeted, while others feel his actions, if staged, harmed credibility for real hate crime victims.

This divided support affects his career prospects. Projects that appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences might still welcome him, especially independent films and smaller productions that align with his values. His engagement to Jabari Redd and openness about his identity keep him connected to these communities.

Representation matters, and Smollett’s work on Empire was genuinely meaningful for many viewers. That legacy hasn’t completely disappeared, even if it’s been overshadowed by controversy.

The Chicago Connection

Interestingly, Smollett’s settlement included donating to a Chicago arts nonprofit. This gesture, whether strategic or genuine, attempts to rebuild bridges with the city where the incident occurred. Chicago became central to his story, and making a positive contribution there shows an attempt at reconciliation.

The Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts serves underprivileged youth, a cause many can support regardless of their opinions about Smollett himself. By directing money toward young people’s artistic development rather than paying the city directly, Smollett reframed the financial obligation as community support rather than punishment.

What Experts Say About Career Rehabilitation

Entertainment industry analysts suggest that celebrity comebacks require patience, consistent positive actions, and ideally, a project that reminds audiences why they liked the person in the first place. Smollett’s strategy appears to follow this playbook.

Special Forces lets viewers see him in a vulnerable, challenging situation. The Lost Holliday showcases his talent. His music reminds people of his artistic abilities. His engagement shows personal happiness and stability. Each element contributes to a broader rehabilitation effort.

The key question is whether audiences are ready to separate the artist from the controversy. In today’s culture, this remains unpredictable. Some people believe in second chances, while others feel certain actions are unforgivable.

Where Is Jussie Smollett Today? The Bottom Line

To directly answer what is Jussie Smollett doing now: He’s actively working to rebuild his career and life after years of legal battles. With his conviction overturned and civil case settled, he’s focusing on reality TV with Special Forces, creating independent films as both actor and director, releasing new music, and preparing for marriage to Jabari Redd.

Whether Smollett can fully rehabilitate his career remains uncertain. He faces an uphill battle in regaining major studio work or mainstream television roles. However, the independent film world, reality TV, and music offer viable paths forward.

His story is still being written. The next few years will determine whether his comeback gains momentum or stalls. For now, Smollett is doing what many in his position would do: staying busy, creating opportunities, and trying to move forward.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Jussie Smollett’s journey from Empire star to controversy to attempted comeback is complex and ongoing. What he’s doing now reflects determination to reclaim his narrative and career despite significant obstacles.

Whether you believe his account of events or not, there’s no denying that Smollett is actively working to rebuild. His appearance on Special Forces, new music, film projects, and personal milestones like his engagement show someone refusing to disappear from public life.

Time will tell if Hollywood and audiences fully embrace his return. For those wondering what is Jussie Smollett doing now, the answer is clear: he’s fighting to make a comeback, one project at a time.

The entertainment industry has always been unpredictable when it comes to redemption stories. Smollett’s fate will ultimately be decided by audiences, industry decision-makers, and his own continued efforts to prove himself as a talented artist worthy of another chance.