Jussie Smollett Says He’s Ready For Fatherhood After Closing The Chapter On His Legal Drama
In a fun and lighthearted interview on the Morning Hustle Show, Jussie Smollett made it crystal clear… he’s got baby fever! Now that his legal mess with the city of Chicago is finally behind him, the Empire star is looking ahead to a new chapter that includes building a family of his own.
Smollett told the show’s hosts, “I want to have a baby so bad.” He didn’t stop there. While he’s open to adoption, he admitted he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a woman carrying his child either. Of course, that sparked some playful jokes from the crew, who asked if he was down to do it the “old fashioned way.”
Smollett laughed it off but didn’t exactly say no especially after running into model Toccara Jones.
“She made me question all of my choices in life,” he joked.
Smollett’s Hoax Case: What Went Down With The City Of Chicago
As we previously reported, In 2019, Jussie Smollett claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago, telling police he was attacked by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and tied a noose around his neck. However, investigators later alleged that Smollett staged the entire attack to gain publicity, accusing him of hiring two brothers to carry out the hoax.
He was charged with multiple counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. Though he maintained his innocence throughout, a jury convicted him in 2021 on five of six counts. In 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of felony probation, and ordered to pay restitution.
Just a few weeks ago, Smollett reached a settlement with the City of Chicago, finally putting to rest a civil case where the city tried to recover money spent investigating the 2019 incident.
He has always maintained his innocence.
In a statement addressing the settlement, he wrote:
“Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, City Officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself. This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear.”
He continued,
“These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do. Today, it should be clear… They have received neither.”
Instead of continuing the fight, Smollett chose a route of peace.
“I was presented with an opportunity to make a charitable donation in exchange for the case being dismissed. Making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support.”
Smollett Gives Back: $10K To Chicago Torture Justice Center
As part of the settlement, Smollett committed to making a difference in a tangible way. He announced a separate $10,000 donation to the Chicago Torture Justice Center, a place dedicated to helping victims of police violence and torture in the city.
“To anyone who has had to prove they have in fact been violated, you know how difficult this can be to navigate. I stand with and for you,” Smollett wrote.
