Jussie Smollett’s overturned conviction, still challenges Black queer representation in media

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On November 21, 2024, almost three years after actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty on five of six felony counts of disorderly conduct related to a hate crime hoax, his convictions were overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. While the verdict was a victory of sorts, it still challenged many Black queer men.

Since the case became public in January 2019, Smollett has maintained his innocence. Though his claims did little to diminish the court of public opinion’s belief he was guilty of staging a crime.

As a Black queer man, my views on the case have shifted over the past few years. My vacillation on how to engage with the complex case was partly fueled by my concerns

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