Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax on Netflix: The Story Behind the Staged Attack
Documentary series in several episodes about the Empire actor who was convicted of fabricating a hate crime in Chicago
What is the series about?
Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax (Netflix, 2025) sheds light on one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent American history, as Empire star Jussie Smollett claimed to have been attacked by two men in Chicago in January 2019. The documentary series meticulously examines how the initial sympathy from the public and Hollywood elite quickly transformed into skepticism as investigators from the Chicago Police Department began to find holes in the actor's story. Through interviews and previously unseen material, viewers follow the case's evolution from a potential hate crime to the revelation of a cynical staged hoax.
The real case
The real case of Jussie Smollett began on a cold night in Chicago, where Smollett claimed that two men had shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and put a noose around his neck. He also alleged that the assailants shouted MAGA-related slogans. However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when police identified two Nigerian brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who had worked as extras on the series Empire. The brothers admitted to authorities that Smollett had paid them $3,500 to stage the attack to promote his own career and secure a higher salary. The case became a political and cultural flashpoint in the U.S., raising debates about justice, race, and the misuse of police resources.
Timeline of the case
The case unfolded over several years with complex legal twists. After the initial charges in 2019, the prosecution was unexpectedly dropped by the Cook County state's attorney, which caused great outrage. This led to the appointment of a special prosecutor who reopened the case. In December 2021, Jussie Smollett was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to the police. Although he has repeatedly maintained his innocence, the legal evidence, including surveillance footage and testimony from the Osundairo brothers, has been damning. In 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and ordered to pay over $120,000 in restitution to the city of Chicago.
Watch the series
Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax will be available for streaming on Netflix starting August 28, 2025. The series provides a unique insight into the mechanisms that drive a media storm and how modern investigative techniques can uncover even the most well-thought-out lies. For viewers interested in true crime and the American justice system, this documentary is an essential overview of a case that shook the U.S. You can read more about similar cases in our section on