Now that more news has spread regarding the Jussie Smollett affair, everyone has been quick to give their two cents on the upcoming verdict. I, for one, am sticking with the moral motto “all are innocent until proven guilty,” regardless of the circumstantial evidence presented. 

Smollett has been accused of sixteen felony accounts as of last week yet he and his people continue to stick with the tale of innocence. I stand alongside them for the “alleged” offenses are just that- alleged. The lack of factual, presentable evidence is what will make or break the case. There is a strong cause for reasonable doubt and that the circumstantial evidence will not stand in the court of law. 

The release of the photo that displayed him in the hospital with visible bruises was a bit extreme. The reason he decided to make the bold move to post such a photo or why his publicist allowed him to do so is unbeknownst to me, but it did seem a little far fetched. Given how personal the attack was, one would think that he might have wanted to keep quiet.

However, what would Smollett get out of telling the world such a grave form of racism occurred? It would not only make the producers of Empire appear unprofessional had they decided to let him go during the time of this incident, but I honestly feel that a pity raise is not what he was looking for. If Smollett claims he’s innocent and is sticking to his story after all the bad publicity that he has gotten as a result, then there is likely some reason for his position.

Given that Smollett was involved in a number of charities, though he can’t say as much since the incident, only goes to speak for his character. After having given to the extent that he has, I personally do not believe that he would be willing to desert his followers in such an inhumane manner.

Nowadays, people are born with judgmental bones in their body, thus making them susceptible to acting rashly as they did in Smollett’s case. It is not unheard of for an innocent to be held responsible for a crime they played no hand in. I do not wish to be one of those people who will jeopardize an actor’s entire career over mere speculation.

Whether Smollett played a hand in the hoax or not is not our duty to say, but if God is real, those with troubled consciences will pay and justice will be served.