Jussie Smollett, the former “Empire” actor whose career was overshadowed by controversy after he was accused of staging a hate crime, briefly returned to the public stage Saturday with a song-and-dance performance during a Pride Month event in Harlem, New York.
Smollett performed as part of Harlem Pride, which began its June 27 celebration with Hope Giselle hosting and music provided by DJ Adair. The appearance marked one of his first major live performances in several years.
“I’m so excited to perform back home for Harlem Pride. It’s been eight years since I last gave a full show. So, to be here with these incredible artists and activists means the world to me. We have 30 minutes to make folks forget their worries while recognizing that now is the time, more than ever before, to be bolder, braver and unapologetically proud,” Smollett said in a statement before the event.
The performance quickly drew reaction online, where many social media users mocked the actor and singer’s return to the stage.
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Smollett became a national figure in 2019 after telling police he had been attacked late at night in downtown Chicago by men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs and referenced “MAGA.” Investigators later concluded the incident had been staged. Two brothers testified that Smollett paid them and helped plan the encounter, which prosecutors said was designed to generate publicity.
He was convicted in 2021 of filing a false police report and was sentenced to 150 days in county jail, along with probation and financial penalties.
The case later took another turn when the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction, bringing an end to the criminal judgment against him years after the highly publicized trial.
