Netflix fans have A LOT of complaints as streamer drops first trailer for 'shameful and utterly embarrassing' Jussie Smollett documentary

Daily Mail​

17 hours ago

Jussie Smollett 's hate crime hoax is to be laid bare in an upcoming Netflix documentary - but livid viewers have countless complaints about the 'shameful' release as the first trailer drops.
In 2019, the American actor falsely reported a hate crime that he staged against himself.
The Empire star was found with a noose around his neck and claimed he was attacked by two men shouting 'racial and homophobic slurs' and who 'poured an unknown chemical substance on him'.
A police investigation found Smollett's story did not add up and, at the end of 2021, he was found guilty of five charges over his false reports of being attacked.
Three years later, Smollett's conviction was overturned on the basis of his fifth amendment rights having been violated when he was prosecuted after reaching a plea deal.
It was a case that left the public reeling, and now Smollett himself is to be interviewed in Netflix's investigation into the events.
The 43-year-old is attempting to reboot his career, Variety reports, and continues to insist his version of the story is the truth.
He has branded Chicago Police and the city's mayor at the time, Rahm Emmanuel, 'villains' for their handling of what he maintains was a vicious assault.
The documentary The Truth About Jussie Smollett? features interviews with lawyers, police and other officials familiar with the case, as well as journalists and 'investigators who claim to have uncovered new evidence.'
'Every single other person's story has changed multiple times. Mine has never,' Smollett told Variety this week.
'I saw firsthand how narratives are built. I saw firsthand the way that someone can take the exact opposite of who you are and literally sell it.'
From the producers of documentaries The Tinder Swindler and Don't F**k With Cats, the film's titular question mark invites viewers to make their own decision about who is telling the truth.
But it seems Netflix fans have already made up their minds, and have criticised the streaming service for giving Smollett a 'platform to lie'.
One person wrote online: 'So Jussie created his own documentary to portray himself as a victim?
A police investigation found Smollett's story did not add up and, at the end of 2021, he was found guilty of five charges over his false reports of being attacked
'He needs therapy badly. People like this have serious mental health problems, but there are real victims out there who truly need assistance.'
And others, too, felt the documentary would unfairly portray Smollett as innocent.
'You already know they are gonna try to paint it like he was actually a victim,' wrote one.
Another added: 'You should be ashamed of making this. We all know you're painting him as a victim. Insanity.'
'Imagine paying someone to victimize you lmao,' said one viewer. 'This dude wanted to be oppressed so badly.
'Meanwhile he was in a position of privilege most people will never achieve.... Utterly embarrassing.'
Swathes of would-be watchers condemned the streamer for amplifying Smollett's voice.
One person wrote: 'Netflix you are wrong for giving him a platform to lie,' and another echoed the sentiment: 'Why is anyone giving this liar a platform? Shameful.'
But it seems Netflix fans have already made up their minds, and have criticised the streaming service for giving Smollett a 'platform to lie'
Others feel the documentary is ill-timed and gives the story disproportionate weight.
'Dear Netflix, not every moron needs to tell their story on Netflix!' said one, and another wrote: 'Five years too late. I moved on, so should Jussie and the world.'
'Netflix giving a platform to this scammer is so sad. Subscription annulled,' said one.
Another criticised the streamer, writing: 'They like giving anyone a show no matter how dumb it is.'