Jussie Smollett (Shutterstock photo)
Fox Nation to Stream Original Docuseries ‘Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax’
March 1, 2023
Fox News Media’s politically-themed subscription streaming video service Fox Nation will release an exclusive five-part docuseries “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax” on March 13.
The series will feature exclusive interviews with brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who were part of an elaborate plot to perpetrate a staged hate crime on actor Jussie Smollett (“Empire”), but have never spoken to the media about their role in the hoax.
In January 2019, Smollett claimed to have been attacked on a Chicago street by two men who were said to have shouted “this is MAGA country” while beating hom and putting a noose around his neck. After an investigation, Chicago police uncovered that the attack was staged, and that Smollett had hired the Osundairo brothers to carry out the crime.
On March 10, 2022, Smollett, 39, was convicted on five felony counts for staging the hate crime, sentenced to 150 days in jail and reportedly ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago and a $25,000 fine. The actor, who could have been sentenced up to three years for each felony, was released after six days pending an appeal.
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Now, on the eve of the appeal, the series aims to chronicle the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and drama that turned the actor into a social pariah in some circles and a victim in others, leaving a trail of damaged careers and reputations.
“‘Anatomy of a Hoax’ takes a deep dive into a scam that reverberated through the worlds of entertainment, pop culture and politics,” John Finley, EVP of Fox Nation, said in a statement.
Developed by Pilgrim Media Group, the series is directed by Craig Piligian, Nicole Rittenmeyer, Nicholas Caprio, Scott Eldridge and Gloria Rodriguez.