Netflix to Release Documentary 'The Truth About Jussie Smollett?' on August 22

Netflix announced that it will release a 90-minute documentary titled 'The Truth About Jussie Smollett?' that revisits the hate crime hoax incident involving Jussie Smollett, which shook the United States in 2019, on August 22.

The documentary contains 'new evidence' regarding the Jussie Smollett case and aims to get closer to the truth of the incident through interviews with police officers, lawyers, journalists, and investigators who were involved in the case, according to Netflix.

In particular, according to Netflix's logline, the work approaches from the perspective that 'the shocking true story, once considered fake, may actually be true', suggesting the possibility of shaking existing perceptions. It is expected to provide a new interpretation of an incident that has been concluded as a hoax.

Jussie Smollett reported that he was attacked with racial slurs and chemical substances in Chicago in January 2019, but it was later revealed during the investigation to be a hoax, causing significant controversy. At the time, Hollywood stars like Viola Davis and Shonda Rhimes, as well as politicians like Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, showed their support, but as the truth emerged, it shocked American society.

This documentary is produced by RAW, known for works like 'Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer' and 'The Tinder Swindler', and directed by Gagan Rehill. Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle serve as executive producers.

Director Rehill expressed, 'I am very excited to share this film with Netflix viewers,' stating, 'This story is an exhilarating journey, and we were fortunate to gain access to the key figures.' He also explained, 'This documentary aims to balance competing narratives and showcase the nuances of the story through their compelling and diverse testimonies.'

The director particularly emphasized, 'This film addresses a unique moment in 2019,' noting that 'society was becoming more confrontational and polarized, and it was a time of rapid cultural change where a common singular truth began to be lacking.'

This documentary is expected to delve deeply into the divisions in American society at the time and the conflicts surrounding the truth, going beyond simply revisiting the incident. It is also anticipated to provide insights into the speed of information dissemination and the process of public opinion formation in the age of social media.