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New York Post
32 minutes ago
- New York Post
Delusional Jussie Smollett remains as shameless as ever as he points the finger of blame at everyone else
Don't call it a comeback. Call it another shameless and truth-challenged stab at relevancy. Hate-crime hoaxer extraordinaire Jussie Smollett wants to return to show biz. And with the unmitigated gall of O.J. Simpson claiming he's still looking for the real killer, the disgraced 'Empire' actor wants everyone to know who the real bad guys are. 'The villains are the two people who assaulted me, the Chicago Police Department and, if I may be so brave, the mayor [Rahm Emanuel],' Smollet told Variety in a fluff piece meant to smooth the road for his imminent reboot. 6 Jusse Smollett is trying to reboot his career with a stint on Fox's 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' and shameless, continued claims that he was the victim of a race attack and a corrupt mayor and police force. FOX Yes, the perpetual victim is sticking to his infamous story about a 2019 'beatdown' — and channeling the great modern philosopher Shaggy, who once said, 'It wasn't me.' Smollett has a new R&B album to promote and will be competing on Fox's reality show, 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' Plus, he was interviewed for the documentary 'The Truth about Jussie Smollett?' premiering August 22 on Netflix. But it matters not which projects he has in the pipeline or in his past. The greatest performance of the actor's life will always be playing the role of an innocent and wronged man. According to Smollett, he was assaulted for his skin color and sexuality — and tossed to the wolves by a corrupt mayor and law enforcement attempting to shift attention from their botched handling of a police-involved fatal shooting in 2014. 6 In a 2019 interview with Robin Roberts, Smollett complained that some folks doubted his story about being attacked in Chicago. ABC News It's simply too rich for words. But shame has never been his strong suit. 'We're living in a world where the higher-ups, their main mission, in order to do all of the underhanded things that they're doing, is to distract us with the shiny object,' Smollett told Variety. I would say he's living in a bubble of delusion if he thinks anyone is buying the baloney he's peddling. Smollett's concocted MAGA fantasy was truly something. He claimed to have left his Chicago apartment at 2 a.m. — during a polar vortex — to grab a delicacy from Jared Fogle's preferred sandwich shop. 6 Brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo said that Smollett paid them to choreograph the attack on him. Suddenly, Smollett alleged, a masked man screamed, 'Empire!' followed by a gay slur, another 'Empire' and then an anti-black slur. The attacker screamed 'This is MAGA country' and punched him in the face. Then a second man joined, and the pair worked him like a tag team on 'Monday Night Raw.' Only after they left did Smollett realize they had placed a noose around his neck and doused him in bleach. The tale was so insane, he should be banned from ever touching a script with his own pen. Still, sympathy poured in from boldface believers. After all, it was 2019, a time when the truth mattered less than the perception of victimhood. On Twitter, then-Sen. Kamala Harris called it 'an attempted modern day lynching.' Robin Roberts landed an exclusive interview with Smollett on 'Good Morning America,' where he cried and shook his fists at the doubters. If only his attackers were 'Muslim or Mexican or someone black,' he would have more support, dammit. 6 Smollett was arrested less than a month after claiming he was attacked in 2019. CPD He declared himself the 'gay Tupac.' Most sensible people smelled a rat. Then a pair of Nigerian-American siblings, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo — who had been extras on 'Empire' — were busted. During questioning, the brothers Osundairo said Smollett had planned and paid for the beatdown. They even claimed there had been a dress rehearsal. Smollett was arrested for filing a false police report. Charges were initially dropped in exchange for community service and bond forfeiture. The city of Chicago sued him for reimbursement of the money wasted investigating his hoax — and he had the stones to sue right back, claiming he was the victim of 'mass public ridicule and harm.' 6 In his 2019 special 'Sticks & Stones,' Dave Chappelle mocked Smollett's account, calling him 'Juicy Smollye.' Netflix He was indicted again, found guilty, and his conviction was upheld on appeal. In 2024, the verdict was tossed on a technicality. He was not exonerated. Back in May, he soft-launched his return on instagram, writing, 'This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear.' Subtract the word 'false' and this is the most honest statement the man has ever made. He's a spotlight-craving fabulist who exploited racial tensions to increase his fame and, apparently, his 'Empire' paycheck— with no regard for the tax-payer resources he wasted. Or the public trust he broke. 6 Back in May, Smollett soft-launched his return on instagram, writing, 'This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear.' FOX In a 2019 bit about the hoax, comedian Dave Chappelle repeatedly called him 'Juicy Smollye' the 'famous French actor,' while 'The Daily Show' put out a hilarious Lifetime movie-style spoof. In 2023, Fox News released a documentary where the Osundairo brothers recreated the choreographed fight at the scene of the crime, leaving no doubt that they were far more entertaining than Smollett. But America is a forgiving place. Just ask Al Sharpton, who weathered the fallout from a disgusting race and rape hoax in the 1980s — and is now treated as a respectable commentator on MSNBC. What a great country. Not that Smollett will ever admit that fact. Or the real truth about what happened that freezing night in 2019.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Breaking down the ‘Special Forces' season 4 cast — which celebs will survive the grueling test?
18 celebrities will push themselves to their limit on season 4 of 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.' The Fox reality show puts contestants through a series of challenges designed to replicate the United States Special Forces selection course. It's physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, and most people don't have what it takes to make it to the end. During season 3, only two out of 16 recruits — Kayla Nicole and Brody Jenner — passed the course. The rest were disqualified, voluntarily withdrew, or were medically withdrawn due to injuries. Let's take a look at the 'Special Forces' season 4 recruits and see who has a chance at making it all the way. Kody Brown The 'Special Forces' Directing Staff (DS) tend to take issue with big egos, so I can't wait to watch them interact with Brown. The 'Sister Wives' star likes to have things his way, so I don't think he'll thrive in an environment where authority figures are screaming in his face and telling him what to do. Brittany Cartwright The 'Valley' star is certainly going into 'Special Forces' with determination. She and her husband and fellow 'Vanderpump Rules' alum, Jax Taylor, separated in 2024, and she's since been candid about his drug abuse and aggressive behavior. 'He threw my phone and broke it. He threw my laptop and broke it. He threw me into the rose bushes,' Cartwright said during the season 2 'Valley' reunion, which aired in July. Taylor denied the claims, but Cartwright said she had footage on her Ring camera. Cartwright will likely be seeking healing and transformation during her 'Special Forces' journey. The reality TV star is not the type who typically makes it to the end, but never discount a woman who's been to hell and back. READ MORE: Reality TV alum says costars got him kicked off show: 'My downfall' Randall Cobb Cobb is a former NFL wide receiver, who played for the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans, and the New York Jets. It probably seems like a no-brainer that a pro football player would excel on 'Special Forces,' but history has proven otherwise. Season 1's Danny Amendola, season 2's Dez Bryant, and season 3's Golden Tate and Cam Newton all fell short of the 'Special Forces' finish line. Could Cobb be the one to break that pattern? Eric Decker Decker is another NFL alum. He was a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, the New York Jets, the Tennessee Titans, and the New England Patriots. Despite NFL players' poor track record on 'Special Forces,' Decker has a leg-up on past competitors. Most contestants struggle with missing their loved ones on the show, but Eric is married to another season 4 star: country singer Jessie James Decker. Perhaps the duo will encourage one another to stick it out when the going gets tough. Jessie James Decker Jessie finds time to stay in shape despite having four kids — daughter Vivianne, 10, and sons Eric Jr., 9, Forrest, 7, and Denver, 17 months — with Eric. I could see her keeping up with her pro athlete husband on 'Special Forces.' However, the tight-knit couple seem like a package deal. If one of them ends up injured or wants to medically withdraw, I foresee them leaving as a unit. Andrew East Yet another NFL alum! East was a long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Seattle Seahawks, the Oakland Raiders, the Los Angeles Rams, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Washington Commanders. East has also competed on several seasons of 'American Ninja Warrior,' but he's never made it to the semifinals. Perhaps he'll be hungry to prove himself on 'Special Forces.' Like the Deckers, East is competing alongside his spouse, Shawn Johnson. READ MORE: See which Fox shows are canceled and renewed for the 2025-2026 season Gia Giudice Season 4 of 'Special Forces' is shaping up to be a family affair. Gia and her mother, 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Teresa Giudice, will both put themselves to the test this season. Gia is only 24, and while she might be in better shape than some of the older cast members, her age could also work against her. She may find it harder to dig deep and push through the physical and mental anguish. Teresa Giudice Teresa served 11 months in prison for fraud, so she knows a thing or two about resilience. It'd be easy to count her out as a 'Special Forces' frontunner — she didn't make it past week two on 'Dancing With the Stars' — but reality stars often do better than expected. Bachelor Nation alums Hannah Brown, Tyler Cameron, and Nick Viall all passed the course, as did The Hills' Brody Jenner. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Teresa voluntarily withdraws like her fellow 'Real Housewives' stars Kenya Moore (season 1) and Denise Richards (season 3). Mark Estes The TikTok personality, known for his videos with his fellow 'Montana Boyz' Kaleb Winterburb and Kade Wilcox, is young (25) and in shape (he posts a lot of Instagram workout videos). I could see Estes making it far on 'Special Forces' — or going too hard during a challenge and getting medically withdrawn. Chanel Iman Iman is a supermodel, so we know she can perform under pressure. She's also spoken in the past about incorporating boxing into her fitness regimen, and there was a hand-to-hand combat challenge during season 3 of 'Special Forces.' It seems like Iman has a chance to do well on the strenuous reality show. Shawn Johnson The Olympic gold medalist is a legendary gymnast best known for her performances on the balance beam. She and East tied the knot in 2016, and they went on to welcome three kids: daughter Drew, 5, and sons Jett, 4, and Bear, 19 months. Johnson is one of the greats, but Olympic gymnasts strangely don't have a great track record on 'Special Forces.' Season 1's Nastia Lukin and season 3's Jordyn Wieber both voluntarily withdrew from the course. Brianna 'Chickenfry' LaPaglia Like Cartwright, LaPaglia is healing from a toxic relationship. She has accused country singer Zach Bryan, whom she dated from 2023-2024, of emotional abuse. She'll likely bond with Cartwright, as they've both called their past partners narcissists. LaPaglia, who is known for her Barstool Sports podcasting career, teased via Instagram that she 'cries a lot' on the show. Compared to the Olympians, LaPaglia may not be the most physically fit person on the show, but something tells me her emotional tenacity will take her far on 'Special Forces' season 4. READ MORE: 'Love Island' alum's costars call him out after messy split: 'A narcissist and a racist' Johnny Manziel Season 4 of 'Special Forces' is essentially an NFL reunion. Manziel was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The only other quarterback who's been on 'Special Forces' is Cam Newton, who often frustrated the Directing Staff with his ego. He ended up getting disqualified from the show. Time will tell whether Manziel is more suited for the Special Forces than Newton. Eva Marcille You might known Marcille from 'America's Next Top Model,' 'The Young and the Restless,' or 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' She's a very determined person, and I could see her making it far on 'Special Forces.' 'I will always be my biggest competition. Fear has never threatened me enough to give up,' she wrote via Instagram while celebrating the season 4 cast announcement. My money's on Eva getting medically withdrawn or making it to the end, because I don't see her quitting. Ravi Patel Patel is an actor best known for the Fox sitcoms 'Grandfathered' and 'Animal Control.' While he seems like an underdog, Patel called the show 'one of the best experiences of [his] life' via Instagram. He also teased that he 'got jacked' in preparation and 'crushed' the course. Perhaps Patel will put all the athletes to shame? Christie Pearce Rampone I like Pearce Ramone's chances. She's an Olympic soccer champion, so we know she's physically fit and a team player. There's also already been a female Olympic soccer champion who passed the 'Special Forces' selection course: season 1's Carli Lloyd. Jussie Smollett Smollett is going into 'Special Forces' with something to prove, and I can already hear the Directing Staff using his past against him during an interrogation session. In Janaury 2019, Smollett told police that he'd been physically attacked by someone who called him homophobic and racial slurs. A police investigation later determined that Smollett had paid two work acquaintances to stage the assault. In 2021, Smollett was found guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct related to the false police reports. He was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and two and a half years on probation. READ MORE: Jussie Smollett will make rare appearance in new Netflix documentary It will be interesting to hear the 'Empire' alum — who has consistently maintained his innocence — tell his side of the story on 'Special Forces.' The DS may be eager to break him, so I'm skeptical that he'll make it to the end. Nick Young Young is a former NBA shooting guard who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Despite his last name, he's one of the older male athletes on the season 4 cast at age 40. Is Young still in prime physical shape, or will he fall behind on 'Special Forces?' Season 4 of 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' premieres on Fox on Thursday, September 25, at 9 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Have a tip? Tell us at Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
12 hours ago
- Fox News
Jussie Smollett's TV return is attempt to change 'America's giant scam artist' label: expert
Jussie Smollett's career comeback hasn't been a walk in the park after his 2019 race hoax scandal. In addition to a new Netflix documentary, Smollett, 43, will star in the upcoming Fox reality show, "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test." Brand expert Eric Schiffer exclusively told Fox News Digital Smollett's new gig appears to prove he's taking the right steps toward not only reclaiming his career, but changing the public perception of him by many as the "biggest scammer of all time," Schiffer said. In the fourth season of Fox's ultimate celebrity social experiment, Smollett joins a number of stars who will take on grueling challenges while training from the playbook of the actual Special Forces selection process in Morocco. All recruits on the show must "learn the art of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable as they are faced with training challenges across the country's expansive desert terrain," according to a show summary. "That's a good choice for him because he's going to go through hardship and pain … so that actually is a good choice, I think, strategically for him," Schiffer said. "For most people, he's seen as the biggest scammer of all time. He was seen as a fraudster who tried to use race to further his own brand love, and it was a giant fail. … Landed him in the septic tank of muck, and this is his attempt to shower and reintroduce him to America in an interesting path because he's putting himself on the line, something he's accustomed to with the trials and things that he's done. But, in a way, that will show what he's made of. "For most people, he's seen as the biggest scammer of all time." "He'll struggle, and those that don't like him will probably enjoy his suffering. And those that don't know him but may know of the story may identify with his journey on the show. But that's a good reentry point, it makes a lot of sense." Smollett will compete alongside spotlight veterans, including "Sister Wives" star Kody Brown, Brittany Cartwright from "Vanderpump Rules," Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East, "Real Housewives of New Jersey" matriarch Teresa Giudice and daughter Gia Giudice and former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, to name a few. Schiffer believes Smollett's next venture into the reality world will provide an opportunity for him to show "his humanity" in front of new viewers. He also may acknowledge "pieces of where he screwed up or the pain that he went through in his life in a revealing way where the audience might care because they've already identified with his journey on the show," Schiffer said. "It's an opportunity — if he handles it right on the show — to win back some fans but also to build some new fans. So, it's a net positive. "It can't get much worse for him. I mean, he goes into the show seen as America's giant scam artist based on how most people view him, so it's only up." The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett's hate crime hoax conviction in November, 10 months after he filed a petition asking the high court to intervene in the legal drama. Smollett, who is Black and gay, reported to Chicago Police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two men wearing ski masks in January 2019. "It can't get much worse for him. I mean, he goes into the show seen as America's giant scam artist based on how most people view him, so it's only up." The manhunt for the attackers soon turned into an investigation of Smollett and his subsequent arrest on charges he'd orchestrated the attack and lied to police about it. As Smollett takes steps to regain a place in the spotlight, Schiffer said Smollett is not unhirable. "It opens the door. A lot of these producers don't want to go first because they don't want the radioactive degree to impact them with other decision makers," Schiffer said of Smollett appearing on "Special Forces." A source told Fox News Digital Smollett's decision to return to his craft after the hoax is a symbol of his dedication. "Jussie is stepping back into the art with the purpose and passion that some of us have always loved him for, bringing heart and soul to every note, every role and every story he tells," the insider said. "That's the Jussie Smollett many of us have been waiting to see emerge from that chapter. It's time to turn the page." Charges against Smollett were originally dropped. After special prosecutor Kim Foxx requested a new inquiry, the "Empire" star was convicted on five felony counts and later sentenced to 150 days in a county jail. He was also sentenced to 30 months of felony probation and ordered to pay restitution to the City of Chicago in the amount of $120,106 and a fine of $25,000. The Illinois Supreme Court decided in November the special prosecutor's decision to retry Smollett violated his rights, and his conviction was overturned. "Today, we resolve a question about the state's responsibility to honor the agreements it makes with defendants," Mark Geragos, Smollett's lawyer, told Fox News Digital at the time. "We hold that a second prosecution under these circumstances is a due process violation, and we therefore reverse defendant's conviction." "This was not a prosecution based on facts, rather it was a vindictive persecution, and such a proceeding has no place in our criminal justice system," another of Smollett's attorneys, Nenye Uche, told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Ultimately, we are pleased that the rule of law was the big winner today. We are thankful to the Illinois Supreme Court for restoring order to Illinois' criminal law jurisprudence."
