A new Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, revisits the controversial 2019 incident in which the Empire actor reported being the victim of a violent hate crime in Chicago. The film, produced by the team behind Don’t F**k with Cats, premieres globally on August 22.

Featuring interviews with law enforcement, legal experts, journalists, and Smollett himself, the documentary challenges viewers to decide “who is telling the truth.” The title’s question mark underscores its investigative angle.

The 2019 incident, in which Smollett claimed he was assaulted by two masked men shouting racial and homophobic slurs, initially drew sympathy. However, inconsistencies—including the polar vortex weather and involvement of the Osundairo brothers—soon cast doubt on his account.Smollett was convicted in 2021 of making false police reports but served just six days of a 150-day sentence before the conviction was overturned in 2024 due to procedural issues. In May 2025, he resolved the matter with the City of Chicago by making a $50,000 charitable donation.

Smollett continues to insist on his innocence, asserting, “Every single other person’s story has changed multiple times. Mine has never.”The documentary promises to examine that claim through new insights, contrarian voices, and rigorous investigation, raising broader questions about truth, media, and justice in high-profile cases.