Jussie Smollett resumes role at Fox following consequences of hate crime incident.

Actor Jussie Smollett, who has remained out of the public eye following a controversial legal battle, is set to return to television in the upcoming season of Fox’s competition series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” This series will challenge 18 celebrities, including notable figures such as reality stars Teresa Giudice and Kody Brown, as they undertake rigorous tasks designed to mimic real military training exercises.

Smollett, 43, gained fame for his role in the musical drama “Empire,” which ran from 2015 until 2019. His time on the show was marred by allegations surrounding an incident in Chicago, where he claimed to have been attacked in a hate crime. He alleged that two men assaulted him, using derogatory racial and homophobic language, and placed a noose around his neck. However, that narrative took a significant turn when the two individuals involved revealed that they had been paid by Smollett to stage the incident. This led to charges of filing a false police report and disorderly conduct against him.

Following the incident, Fox’s “Empire” creator Lee Daniels made the decision to write Smollett’s character out of the series. Daniels has since expressed ambivalent feelings regarding the situation, acknowledging the complexity of the events and leaving open the possibility of future collaboration with Smollett.

Initially, criminal charges against Smollett were dropped after he performed community service. However, a subsequent investigation in 2020 resulted in renewed charges, culminating in a trial where he was convicted and sentenced to 150 days in jail. In a recent development, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction as part of a plea agreement that included community service and the forfeiture of a ,000 bond. Furthermore, Smollett agreed to contribute at least ,000 to the Building Better Futures Center for the Arts in Chicago, addressing a lawsuit filed against him by the city.

In a statement issued earlier this year, Smollett conveyed his intention to move forward from the previous controversies. He emphasized his commitment to continue creating artistic work and advocating for causes he believes in.

“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” is scheduled to premiere on Fox on September 25, marking a significant return for Smollett amidst a backdrop of ongoing public discourse surrounding his past. The forthcoming season aims to showcase the resilience and determination of its contestants as they undergo demanding challenges, bringing a renewed focus to Smollett’s career in the entertainment industry.

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