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NEVER FORGET: All the Libs Who Fell for the Jussie Smollett Hate Crime Hoax

Democrats, celebs, and journalists jumped to condemn fabricated attack

Actor Jussie Smollett, flanked by attorneys, leaves court in Feb. 2020 (Getty Images)
December 8, 2021

Jussie Smollett, the C-list actor best known for his role as Terry Hall in The Mighty Ducks, is finally on trial in Chicago for allegedly staging a hate crime against himself in January 2019. He is charged with counts of felony disorderly conduct for lying to police about the phony attack, which was widely and credulously "condemned" by Democratic politicians, journalists, celebrities, and other liberals. Hardly any have bothered to amend their statements or even remove their initial reactions from social media platforms.

The following is a (non-exhaustive) list of all the libs who immediately believed Smollett's absurd story about being recognized by two white guys in Make America Great Again hats. According to Smollett, his "attackers" had been wandering the streets of Chicago in below-freezing conditions at 2 a.m. carrying bleach and a noose with the intention of assaulting an obscure celebrity. In fact, the white guys in MAGA hats were Nigerian brothers who told police that Smollett paid them $3,500 to stage the attack.

Joe Biden

"What happened to Jussie Smollett must never be tolerated in this country."

Kamala Harris

"This was an attempted modern day lynching."

Nancy Pelosi

"The racist, homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett is an affront to our humanity."

Elizabeth Warren

"The fight for equality isn't over—no one should have to live in fear of being beaten on the street because of who they are."

Bernie Sanders

"The racist and homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett is a horrific instance of the surging hostility toward minorities around the country."

Cory Booker

"The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe."

Kirsten Gillibrand

"This is a sickening and outrageous attack, and horribly, it's the latest of too many hate crimes against LGBTQ people and people of color. We are all responsible for condemning this behavior and every person who enables or normalizes it."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 

"There is no such thing as 'racially charged.' This attack was not 'possibly' homophobic. It was a racist and homophobic attack."

Eric Swalwell

"What happened to Jussie Smollett is vile and tragic; thankfully, he will recover. But hate crimes like this are happening more frequently, egged on by careless hate-filled rhetoric."

Al Sharpton

The notorious anti-Semite compared the Smollett incident to the 2015 mass shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. "We can't make people love each other, but we can sure hold them accountable if they harm each other."

Nikole Hannah-Jones 

Promoted tweet that asserted Smollett "was attacked because he is both black and gay at the same time."

Brian Stelter 

"We may never know what really happened."

Human Rights Campaign

Cited Smollett's allegations as evidence for why "we must address the epidemic of violence that disproportionately targets Black LGBTQ people."

American Civil Liberties Union

"This isn't the America we want to live in. Our thoughts are with Jussie Smollett and all survivors."

John Legend

"Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice."

Andy Cohen

"THIS IS FUCKED UP TO THE CORE. CATCH THESE EVIL HOMOPHOBES AND LOCK THEM UP FOREVER."

Shonda Rhimes

"We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE."

DeRay McKesson

"I was just in Chicago with Jussie a few days ago & we talked about the threats. Today feels surreal. I'm speechless."

Reese Witherspoon

"This is beyond upsetting. What happened to Jussie Smollett is a truly horribly racist, homophobic hate crime. I hope we can find an end to the hate and fear that plagues this country."

Kevin Bacon

"Jussie you are in our thoughts and we are hoping for a speedy recovery. Hate will not win."

Billy Jean King

"The racist, homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett reminds us that crimes targeting people for the color of their skin and who they love still happen."

Kerry Washington

"DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett."

Viola Davis

"We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you Jussie Smollett. You are loved!"

Mindy Kaling

"I am disgusted and horrified to hear of the homophobic and racial attack on Jussie Smollett last night. Unfortunately, these hateful attacks happen way too often."

Olivia Munn

"Jussie Smollett was violently attacked by two white men who poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. He was targeted for being black and for being gay."

Guy Branum

"The attack on Jussie Smollett, like all hate crimes, is an attempt to silence and intimidate marginalized people so we won't demand equality."

New York Times, Washington Post, NBC News, ABC News, BuzzFeed, Vox

These media outlets, among others, credulously reported Smollett's allegations as fact.