Jussie Smollett’s controversial 2019 saga is back in the headlines — this time as the subject of a Netflix feature-length documentary.
The streamer has released the trailer for The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, a 90-minute film exploring one of the most polarizing cases in recent memory. Directed by Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal filmmaker Gagan Rehill, the project comes from Raw, the production company behind Don’t F**k With Cats and The Tinder Swindler.
Netflix describes the doc as “the shocking true story of an allegedly fake story that some now say might just be a true story,” framing the case as a cultural flashpoint in a divided America. Featuring interviews with police officers, lawyers, journalists, investigators, and Smollett himself, the film invites viewers to decide who is truly telling The Truth About Jussie Smollett?
“In 2019, we were becoming more combative, more polarized, more divergent over our shared reality,” Rehill said in a statement. “This film explores the cultural moment where we began to lack a common singular Truth.”
Smollett first made headlines in January 2019 after reporting that he had been the victim of a racially and politically motivated attack in Chicago. The story quickly unraveled, leading to accusations that he staged the incident. After multiple twists in court — from dropped charges to re-indictment, conviction, and even brief jail time — Smollett’s conviction was overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024. In May 2025, he reached a settlement by agreeing to donate $60,000 to charity.
The Truth About Jussie Smollett? premieres August 22 on Netflix.
Smollett’s Music Comeback
The documentary isn’t Smollett’s only return to the spotlight. He recently signed a new record deal with the relaunched Rowdy Records, revived by Grammy-winning producer Dallas Austin. His upcoming R&B album Break Out is set to drop under the label. Pre-release singles have already topped iTunes’ R&B charts, with “Some Things” hitting No. 1 and follow-ups “My Party” and “My Mind” landing at No. 2.
“Jussie embodies classic R&B,” Austin said. “His voice is effortlessly smooth and uniquely expressive, bringing a rich, old-school soul to this fresh new project.”
Smollett added: “I’m excited to be partnering with such a true visionary like Dallas. Rowdy’s rich legacy speaks volumes, and I’m eager to contribute my voice to its continued success.”
With a headline-making documentary and a full album on the way, Smollett is stepping back into the public eye — both as a controversial figure and a creative force.