The Truth About Jussie Smollett Netflix Documentary: What Really Happened? (2025 Review)

The Truth About Jussie Smollett Netflix Documentary: What Really Happened? (2025 Review)
The Truth About Jussie Smollett
Netflix pitcher 

Are you curious about the new Netflix documentary "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" that everyone is talking about? This blog post will give you all the important details about this shocking true crime documentary that was released on August 22, 2025.

What is "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" Documentary About?

"The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" is a 90-minute Netflix documentary that tells the story of actor Jussie Smollett and his 2019 legal case. The documentary includes interviews with Smollett himself, plus talks with police officers, lawyers, and investigators who claim to have new evidence about the case.

Quick Facts About the Documentary

Detail Information
Release Date August 22, 2025
Platform Netflix
Runtime 90 minutes
Genre True Crime Documentary
Director Gagan Rehill
Producers RAW (same team behind "The Tinder Swindler" and "Don't F**k with Cats")

Who is Jussie Smollett?

Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer who became famous for playing Jamal Lyon on the TV show "Empire." In 2019, he became the center of a major controversy when he reported being attacked in Chicago.

Timeline of Events

January 2019
Jussie Smollett reports being attacked by two masked men in Chicago
Police investigate the case
February 2019
Police arrest two brothers who knew Smollett
Police say the attack was fake and Smollett planned it himself
March 2019
Smollett is charged with filing a false police report
2021-2022
Trial takes place - Smollett found guilty
August 2025
Netflix releases documentary with Smollett's side of the story

What Makes This Documentary Special?

The documentary claims to have "new evidence about the case" and features interviews with various people involved in the investigation. Unlike other documentaries, this one lets Jussie Smollett tell his own story directly to viewers.

Key People Featured in the Documentary

Person Type Role in Documentary
Jussie Smollett Main interview subject telling his side
Police Officers Share investigation details
Lawyers Explain legal aspects of the case
Journalists Provide media perspective
Investigators Present evidence and findings

What Happened in 2019? - The Basic Story

Here's what happened in simple terms:

  1. The Incident: In January 2019, Jussie Smollett said two men attacked him near his apartment in Chicago. He said they put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him while saying racist and anti-gay slurs.

  2. The Investigation: Chicago police started investigating. They looked at security cameras and interviewed witnesses.

  3. The Twist: Police found and arrested two brothers who knew Smollett. The brothers said Smollett paid them to fake the attack.

  4. The Charges: Police charged Smollett with lying to police. They said he made up the whole story.

  5. The Trial: In 2021, Smollett went to court. A jury found him guilty of lying to police.

Why is This Documentary Important?

Reasons People Are Watching

  • New Perspective: The documentary gives Smollett a chance to "revisit the legal battle" and share his side of the story
  • Unsolved Questions: Some people still have doubts about what really happened
  • Social Issues: The case involves important topics like racism, hate crimes, and media coverage
  • Celebrity Drama: Many people followed this story in the news and want to know more

What Can Viewers Expect?

Documentary Style and Format

The documentary follows the same style as other popular Netflix true crime shows. It includes:

  • Personal Interviews: Direct conversations with Jussie Smollett
  • Archival Footage: News clips and court footage from 2019-2022
  • Expert Analysis: Legal experts and journalists explaining the case
  • Evidence Review: Looking at police reports and court documents

Content Warnings

This documentary discusses:

  • Hate crimes and violence
  • Racist and anti-gay language
  • Legal proceedings and court cases
  • Media controversy and public shaming

Public Reaction and Reviews

What Critics Are Saying

The documentary has received mixed reactions:

Positive Points:

  • Gives Smollett a chance to speak
  • Presents new information
  • Well-produced and engaging

Criticism:

  • Some say it doesn't change the basic facts
  • Questions about bias in favor of Smollett
  • Concerns about reopening a settled case

IMDb Rating

The documentary currently has a 4.2/10 rating on IMDb, showing that audiences have mixed feelings about it.

How to Watch "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?"

Streaming Information

Platform Netflix
Subscription Required? Yes
Available Worldwide? Check your region
Download Option? Yes (Netflix app)
Closed Captions? Available

Best Ways to Watch

  1. Netflix Subscription: You need a Netflix account to watch
  2. Mobile App: Available on Netflix mobile app for phones and tablets
  3. Smart TV: Watch on your TV through Netflix app
  4. Computer: Stream on netflix.com

Similar Documentaries You Might Like

If you're interested in this documentary, you might also enjoy:

Documentary Title Platform Topic
The Tinder Swindler Netflix Online dating scam
Don't Fk with Cats** Netflix Internet crime investigation
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened Netflix Festival fraud
Making a Murderer Netflix Criminal justice case

Why This Story Still Matters in 2025

Important Social Issues

The Jussie Smollett case involves several important topics that are still relevant today:

Hate Crimes: The case raised questions about how hate crimes are reported and investigated

Media Coverage: It showed how quickly news can spread and how social media affects public opinion

Criminal Justice: The case highlighted issues in the legal system and how celebrity cases are handled

Truth and Trust: It made people think about truth, lies, and who to believe

Conclusion

"The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" is a documentary that tries to give viewers a new look at one of the most talked-about cases of recent years. Whether you think it's "an allegedly fake story that some now say might just be a true story," this documentary lets you hear directly from Jussie Smollett and decide for yourself.

The documentary is now streaming on Netflix and gives viewers 90 minutes of interviews, evidence, and expert opinions. Whether you followed the original story in 2019 or are learning about it for the first time, this documentary provides a comprehensive look at all sides of this controversial case.

Final Thoughts

Remember that this is a complex case with many different opinions. The documentary presents one perspective, but it's important to think critically about all the information presented. Watch the documentary, consider the evidence, and form your own opinion about what really happened.

Stream "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" on Netflix today and see what you think about this controversial case that continues to divide public opinion.


This blog post provides factual information about the Netflix documentary "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?" and does not take sides in the legal case. All information is based on publicly available sources and official Netflix announcements.