Embattled LGBTQ+ actor Jussie Smollett will pay $50,000 to an organization in Chicago to settle a lawsuit the city had filed against him over accusations of lying about a hate crime, media outlets noted.
Chicago police had wanted Smollett to pay $130,000 to cover the investigation costs; however, the donation will be made instead, per the BBC.
The money will go to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, which supports Chicago’s underprivileged youth.
More than six years ago, Smollett alleged that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in the city’s Streeterville area. However, the Empire actor was eventually charged with lying to police. He was also accused of sending a racist letter to himself, and paying two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack. Smollett was found guilty in 2021, but the conviction was overturned last year.
Smollett has maintained his innocence to this day. According to EW, the actor recently posted on Instagram, “Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, city officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself. This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear. These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do. Today, it should be clear: They have received neither.”