The Jussie Smollett saga remains one of the most polarizing cases in recent memory. From his shocking report of a hate crime in 2019 to the dramatic twists of multiple indictments, dropped charges, retrials, and an overturned conviction, the story has all the elements of a true-crime drama played out in real life.

In this episode of Debate the News: True Crime Edition, Joseph Lobosco and Adrienne Barker lead a charged discussion recorded live on Chatter Social, with a very passionate audience. Together, they unpack the evidence, the contradictions, the Netflix documentary, and the larger cultural questions this case ignited.

→ The initial report of a hate crime against Jussie Smollett shocked Hollywood and the nation, sparking widespread support and outrage.

→ Police investigations quickly shifted, with accusations that Smollett staged the attack using two acquaintances—the Osundairo brothers.

→ Charges were dropped in 2019, only to be reinstated later, leading to a conviction in 2021 that was ultimately overturned on appeal in 2024.

→ Audience members debated credibility, police misconduct, media bias, and the long-term damage such cases may cause to real victims of hate crimes.

→ The case remains unresolved in the court of public opinion, highlighting deep divides on issues of race, fame, truth, and justice.

→ Jonathan Howard

→ Steven Martin

→ Mariana Thomas

→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba

→ Ann

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This episode contains discussions of violent crimes, sexual violence, and disturbing details that some listeners may find upsetting. Listener discretion is advised. All individuals mentioned who have not been convicted of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The views and opinions shared by our guest hosts and audience contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or Debate the News: True Crime Edition.

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