My Thoughts on Jussie Smollett

I was wrestling back and forth about writing about this Jussie Smollett fiasco. I’m not sure if he did this to bring attention to a cause or if he’s a pathological liar. This story has lasting damaging effects that we haven’t even begin to scratch the surface. Whatever he believed he was doing set the movement back. Some may disagree, but I feel he made it harder for victims of assault in the future. Everyone will start to side eye victims going forward. Jussie will forever be someone who elaborately lies. The new slogan will be, please don’t  “Jussie Smollett” us with your story. It’s very frustrating hearing stories like this because you want to believe the victims. At the same time, you have to be skeptical of the story. Some folks lie to provoke a particular agenda further. Unfortunately, there are hate crimes and assault cases happening every day. There’s no need to make up a story. Lying about an attack that didn’t occur impacts current, future and cold cases. Time and resources are moving away from solving actual crimes to a fabricated crime. Detectives may even expect for the victim to provide the burden of proof before they investigate an alleged attack. Thanks to Jussie solving these types of cases just became more difficult.

I can’t believe that Jussie would go to these great lengths to prove a point. You’re upset that the threatening letter you received didn’t garner the attention you felt it deserved. That doesn’t mean you orchestrate an attack to get more attention. You should’ve gone to law enforcement to report the incident. You could’ve used this an opportunity to have a teachable moment. You completely missed the mark on this one. With your notoriety and celebrity status, you could’ve drawn more attention to a serious topic that is plaguing many people. You could’ve put together a PSA with other victims of assault to bring more awareness to a significant issue that is impacting people of color and the LGBTQ communities. However, to file a false police report is beyond ridiculous. Now you have been charged with filing a false police report and disorderly conduct which is a class four felony. If convicted this carries a one to a three-year jail sentence. Your credibility is nonexistent, and your career is definitely in jeopardy. Who knows maybe you’ll pull a Winona Ryder and make a comeback. It took her a long time to come back after her shoplifting scandal. Honestly, I still feel like her career hasn’t been the same since then, but she was able to turn things around.

Jussie you need to hire someone who specializes in crisis management because you need all the help in the world to deal with the drama you caused. Let this be a cautionary tale to everyone out there. When you start one lie, then you have to tell several more to keep it going. You eventually go down a rabbit hole, and it becomes harder to get yourself out of it. Remember if you tell the truth you don’t need to remember what was said or happened. When something happens to you, and you don’t get the attention you want don’t go to this extreme. Seek help from friends, family, therapist, pastor or a trusted individual. Going to extraordinary lengths of an elaborate falsehood isn’t the way to go. You will be causing more unforeseen damage than you realize.

Let me know your thoughts on the Jussie Smollett case. Did you believe or disbelieve the story from the beginning? Do you think this story has negatively impacted victims of assault?