News | Entertainment
6 Jul 2025 10:23
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Jussie Smollett admitted it is "wonderful" to be working again

    The 'Empire' actor was sentenced to 150 days jail and 30 months of felony probation in March, three months after he was found guilty on five of six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack on himself, but he is currently out on bond while his legal team work on an appeal and he's happy to be on set and directing BET+ movie 'B-Boy Blues'


    Speaking on the red carpet at the BET Awards at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater on Sunday (26.06.22), Jussie insisted he "never thought of himself as working [his] way back" but admitted it was "wonderful" to be working.

    He added: "This has always been the plan, to expand my empire, so to speak.

    "To expand the level of what I want to do... to be able to usher in a new generation of artists and actors and these amazing talents."

    The former 'Empire' star has denied any wrongdoing and thanked all his fans for their unwaivering support.

    He said: "I tell them, with all my heart, just thank you. They never waivered, they never straddled the fence, and for that I am forever grateful. I don't take that lightly for a moment.

    "My family, my friends, the true ones, if I never get to hug you in person, know that there's a hug in my heart that I genuinely mean."

    Jussie spent just six days in jail before being released on bond and he recently revealed he starved himself throughout in order to gain "clarity".

    He said: "I was there for six and a half days. I fasted for six and a half days. I was fasting because that's what we do in my family. Like we fast for clarity... I have never in my life, at least in my adult life, been as clear of mind as I was for those six and a half days... I was fasting until I found out whether or not I was gonna be in there for those five and a half months. I just wanted to know what my life was about to look like."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     06 Jul: Lizzo felt "very paranoid and isolated" and like she "could die" amid facing sexual harassment lawsuits from her former backing dancers
     06 Jul: Kanye West's Australian visa has been cancelled over his "offensive comments"
     06 Jul: Simone Ashley used to be too "afraid" to leave her house for fear of being recognised, after Bridgerton catapulted her to global fame
     06 Jul: John Cena absolutely loves fish and chips and a Full English Breakfast
     06 Jul: Gabriella Wilde describes her style as "tomboyish"
     06 Jul: Debbie Harry took drugs to avoid an "emotional rollercoaster" during her younger years
     06 Jul: Travis Kelce struggled to prepare for Saturday Night Live because he "can't really read that well"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has been left annoyed by a couple of key factors in their 31-27 win over France in Dunedin More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Our newsroom's revealed more than 200 people were able to enter New Zealand on work visas for defunct businesses later exposed as fronts for a network of cannabis grow houses in Auckland More...



     Today's News

    International:
    The Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday with celebrations and an answer on Tibetan Buddhism's future 10:07

    Athletics:
    Shot putter Maddi Wesche has thrown over 20 metres for the first time in competition at the Diamond League meet in Oregon 10:07

    Entertainment:
    Lizzo felt "very paranoid and isolated" and like she "could die" amid facing sexual harassment lawsuits from her former backing dancers 10:06

    Entertainment:
    Kanye West's Australian visa has been cancelled over his "offensive comments" 9:36

    Entertainment:
    Simone Ashley used to be too "afraid" to leave her house for fear of being recognised, after Bridgerton catapulted her to global fame 9:06

    Netball:
    Silver Ferns defender Parris Mason has been hospitalised as a precaution after suffering a neck injury in the Central Pulse's 65-44 ANZ Premiership victory over the Stars in Wellington 8:57

    Entertainment:
    John Cena absolutely loves fish and chips and a Full English Breakfast 8:36

    Environment:
    A kava boom is unfolding across the Pacific — but some leaders warn it's hurting families 8:17

    Rugby:
    All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has been left annoyed by a couple of key factors in their 31-27 win over France in Dunedin 8:17

    Tennis:
    Another milestone for 24-time Grand Slam tennis champion Novak Djokovic 8:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd