Jussie Smollett’s controversial 2019 hate crime saga is back in the spotlight — this time as the subject of a new Netflix documentary.
Netflix has announced a feature-length documentary titled The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, a 90-minute deep dive into the former Empire actor’s alleged hate crime hoax. Premiering August 22, the doc will feature interviews with Smollett himself, as well as police, attorneys, journalists, and others directly involved in the case.
Directed by Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal filmmaker Gagan Rehill and produced by Raw (behind The Tinder Swindler and Don’t F**k with Cats), the film promises an unflinching look at the polarized media storm that followed Smollett’s claims.
Netflix’s official logline describes the doc as “the shocking true story of an allegedly fake story that some now say might just be a true story,” inviting viewers to decide for themselves. Executive producers Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle of Raw are behind the project, aiming to place the incident within the broader cultural context of an increasingly divided America.
“In 2019, we were becoming more combative, more polarized, more divergent over our shared reality,” said Rehill in a statement to Deadline. “This film explores the cultural moment where we began to lack a common singular Truth.”
Smollett made headlines in January 2019 when he reported being the victim of a racially and politically motivated attack in Chicago. He was later accused of staging the incident and charged with filing a false police report. While charges were initially dropped, he was re-indicted in 2020, convicted of five felony counts, and briefly jailed in 2022. In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction, and in May 2025, a settlement was reached, with Smollett agreeing to a $60,000 donation to charity.
But the documentary isn’t the only project signaling a new chapter for Smollett.
In a major music announcement, Smollett has signed a new deal with the recently relaunched Rowdy Records — the iconic label revived by Grammy-winning producer Dallas Austin. Smollett’s upcoming R&B album Break Out will be released under the label, with previously dropped singles already topping the iTunes R&B charts. “Some Things” hit No. 1, while “My Party” and “My Mind” followed closely behind at No. 2.
“Jussie embodies classic R&B,” said Austin. “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-scale musical return, Smollett is re-entering the public eye — both as a controversial figure and a creative force. More music and official release dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.