Jussie Smollett’s net worth, confirmed

Jussie Smollett’s career took a dramatic turn after the infamous incident in 2019, where he claimed to have been the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. Initially, his story was widely supported by fans and public figures, as Smollett was a rising star, especially with his role on Empire and a budding music career. However, the truth came out when investigations revealed that Smollett had staged the attack, paying two men he knew from Empire to carry it out.

Jussie Smollett’s net worth, confirmed

Since then, Smollett has been embroiled in legal battles, including charges of filing a false police report, lawsuits, and criminal trials. While he was initially found guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the convictions in November 2024, ruling that there shouldn’t have been a second trial after a plea deal was reached. This legal turmoil has taken a major toll on Smollett’s career and finances.

As of 2024, Smollett’s net worth is estimated to be around $300,000, a significant decline from his earlier years when he was reportedly worth between $500,000 and $2 million. During his Empire days, Smollett was earning $125,000 per episode, a sharp rise from $45,000 per episode just a few years earlier. However, his involvement in the hoax and the subsequent fallout led to his character being written off the show and his public image being severely damaged.

Since the controversy, Smollett has attempted to move forward with projects like B-Boy Blues, a film he both directed and wrote, and The Lost Holiday, which starred Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox. Unfortunately, both projects received negative reviews, with The Lost Holiday scoring just 2.1 stars on IMDb, underscoring the challenge Smollett faces in rebuilding his career.

It’s clear that Smollett’s legal issues and damaged reputation have taken a lasting toll on his financial and professional standing, shifting his public identity from a promising star to a figure largely defined by scandal.