The Truth About Jussie Smollett? ending explained: The judgment rests on the viewers

The Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, concludes by leaving the judgment to the viewers themselves.

The show highlights the popular 2019 case where actor Jussie Smollett was accused of staging an attack and filing a false complaint. The ending of the documentary does not offer a definitive answer to the case and leaves it to the viewer's interpretation. The Chicago police remained fixed in their statement that Smollett staged the attack, while Smollett kept pleading guilty.

The film takes us through the media frenzy and the public debates that the case led to. The case, which highlighted an attack allegedly rooted in hate crime, involving a celebrity actor, reflects a society where any truth can be manufactured or fractured within seconds, and how the media and legal system play a role and are impacted by the same.

The Truth About Jussie Smollett? ending explained

The Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, features the popular 2019 case in which he was allegedly a victim of a hate crime. Smollett called the Chicago police and claimed that two masked men attacked him, shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him, and put a rope around his neck while yelling, “This is MAGA country.” MAGA, here, refers to the political slogan "Making America Great Again".

Early investigation led to the Osundairo brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo, acquaintances of Smollett who had appeared on the TV show Empire. However, their statement made the case more confusing. They admitted to police that the attack had been staged at Smollett’s direction.

During further investigation, the police found a $ 3500 check from Smollett to the brothers, validating their statement. In the film, Smollett clarified that it was the payment for training him.

Later, CCTV footage was discovered that showed the brothers buying items that were used in the attack.

In February 2019, Smollett was indicted on 16 counts of felony of disorderly conduct for allegedly staging the attack and filing a false police report. In March, the prosecutors dropped all the charges against him in exchange for Smollett forfeiting his $10,000 bond and performing community service. This controversial decision triggered outrage, especially from Chicago officials.

Even by 2020, the arguments remained the same. Smollett maintained innocence while the police insisted that he staged the crime and filed a fake report. The case, even in the film, simply outlines the events and leaves it open to interpretation for the viewers.

What do we see in the documentary The Truth About Jussie Smollett?

The film, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, highlights institutional flaws and includes commentary from Smollett, investigative authorities, and independent journalists, along with the accused brothers. All of them remained steadfast in their positions till the end, which doesn't lead the case anywhere. The film also raises serious questions about police conduct, procedural irregularities, and ethical credibility.

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Moreover, it acts as a mirror to the society in which the truth is shaped and fractured, marred by media frenzy, racial tensions, political divides, and declining institutional trust. In December 2021, Smollett went to trial and was found guilty on five counts of felony. In March 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail and restitution. He served only six days before being released.

In 2024, the verdict was again overturned. Finally, in 2025, Smollett settled with the City of Chicago, donating $60,000 to local authorities. The city then dropped the civil suit, as shown in The Truth About Jussie Smollett?.

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