The Truth About Jussie Smollett? – Review | Netflix (4/5)

THE TRUTH ABOUT JUSSIE SMOLLETT? on Netflix is a true-crime documentary about the hate crime that was accused of being a hoax. Virtually every single key person involved is interviewed as facts are shared to shed new light on the case. Read our full The Truth About Jussie Smollett? documentary review here!

THE TRUTH ABOUT JUSSIE SMOLLETT? is a new Netflix true-crime about the Jussie Smollett (Alien: Covenant) case. What began as a hate crime against him ended up with him being indicted for having lied and arranged the attack as a hoax.

Having watched this new documentary, I finally feel like every angle has been covered. And I would expect nothing less, as this documentary comes from the producers of Don’t F**k With Cats and the Tinder Swindler documentaries.

Continue reading our The Truth About Jussie Smollett? review below. Find it on Netflix from August 22, 2025.

So many new details and actual facts

I love that the title of The Truth About Jussie Smollett? includes a question mark. It’s a perfect way to highlight the fact that the truth has been particularly elusive in this case.

Once you’ve watched it, you will undoubtedly have an idea of whether Jussie Smollett is guilty or innocent. You may even change your mind once all the facts have been covered.

While I never understood why he would create this hoax, the police (via the media, which is always hungry to share anything juicy) were quick to present their theories as facts.

We hear from everyone in this documentary

Well, with The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, I feel that facts are finally at the forefront. Also, we hear from everyone involved with this strange case.

From Jussie Smollett himself to the two men who claimed he paid them to orchestrate the attack, the police and lawyers involved, plus the media.

And yes, even one reporter notes how strange it was that the police were practically begging him to share their latest “news” in this case. In hindsight, it seems obvious that it was part of creating a narrative that they had decided on.

I always felt there were a lot of strange “facts” in this case, but it was a lot bigger and more sinister than I ever anticipated. If you’ve watched Victim/Suspect, you’ll be familiar with the tactics of the police, where the victim becomes the accused.

Was Jussie Smollett innocent?

I honestly wasn’t sure what to think before watching The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, but now I feel quite confident that yes, he is not guilty of the accusations made against him.

There is nothing to prove that he asked the two brothers of Nigerian descent to attack him. However, the is plenty of reason for those two brothers to “admit” to this – one of the biggest reasons is revealed at the very end of the documentary.

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Also, any witnesses corroborating Jussie Smollett’s claims were ignored, at best, or practically forced to point out someone who did not match their experience.

The fact that Jussie Smollett spent even 6 days in prison is disgusting. Whatever you believe, the crime he was accused of should never have resulted in jail time.

Chicago went back on a deal

Plus, Jussie Smollett had already made a deal with the prosecutor, and you cannot go back on that. Something Jussie Smollett now also has the Illinois Supreme Court’s word for.

Besides, what could Jussie Smollett possibly get out of this?

His career was derailed, his life became a tragedy, and his character was made into a joke. It makes no sense. And it never did, but that’s not the story we were told –mostly via the Chicago PD, which has a track record of corruption.

Hell, even the superintendent was fired just days before retiring, but that blue line clearly comes before all else. He certainly continues to spew the same old lies about “mountains of evidence” which come down to the story of two brothers.

One of which had an extremely good reason for going along with the police. And really, he should have been in jail regardless of the Jussie Smollett case. You’ll see as you watch The Truth About Jussie Smollett? unfold.

Watch The Truth About Jussie Smollett? on Netflix

This new Netflix documentary comes from director Gagan Rehill, who also directed Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal, which I was not crazy about. Fortunately, with this one, the subject is treated much more seriously.

In fact, the best thing Jussie Smollett could have done was participate in this Netflix documentary, where everyone involved with the case participates. Again, this was made by RAW, who also produced the iconic Don’t F**k With Cats.

Those also do real deep dives and include everything. So, from this fact alone, you should expect a documentary that attempts to uncover all angles and include interviews with all the key people in the case.

And that is exactly what you’re getting. With a runtime right around an hour and a half, this is a wild ride – and you need to pay attention until the very end!

The Truth About Jussie Smollett? is on Netflix from August 22, 2025.