Crime Stories with Nancy Grace FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: Jussie Smollet Hate Crime Hoax - True Story Instead?
Aug 2, 2025
Investigative reporter Ellen Killoran delves into the tangled saga of Jussie Smollett, the former "Empire" actor convicted of staging a hate crime. With an overturned conviction and a new Netflix documentary questioning previous narratives, the discussion ignites a debate on truth, justice, and media influence. They dissect Smollett's bizarre late-night sandwich run, the societal impact of his actions, and the ongoing consequences of his deception. Listeners are left pondering the complexities of trust and accountability in high-profile cases.
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Cold Night Doubts Smollett's Story
- Jussie Smollett's account of being attacked at 2 a.m. raises questions due to the extreme cold in Chicago and odd behavior like going to Subway at that hour.
- His reluctance to hand over his phone to police suggests possible obstruction or dishonesty.
Smollett Called Manager Not Police
- Smollett called his manager instead of 911 after the alleged attack, raising suspicion about his response.
- Police requested his phone to verify calls and messages, but he refused to hand it over, citing privacy concerns.
Malingering Explains Fabrication Signs
- Malingering, or fabricating symptoms for gain, may explain Smollett's exaggerated story and obstructive behavior.
- Inconsistent timelines and reluctance to cooperate with police often indicate deception in criminal cases.