The brothers involved in the infamous Jussie Smollett hoax have spoken out following a controversial legal decision that overturned the actor’s conviction. Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who played a central role in staging the 2019 incident, expressed disappointment and frustration, not just at the outcome but at Smollett’s continued denial of responsibility.
The Illinois Supreme Court recently reversed Smollett’s conviction, citing legal issues surrounding his retrial. The case had previously garnered national attention when Smollett reported being the victim of a racially and homophobically motivated attack in Chicago. Investigators later concluded the event had been orchestrated by Smollett himself, with the Osundairo brothers recruited to play the roles of attackers.
A Call for Accountability
“We weren’t shocked by the court’s decision—we understand the legal process,” said Abimbola Osundairo. “What’s disappointing is that Jussie never admitted his wrongdoing. Accountability is key, and he had the opportunity to set things right but chose not to.”
The brothers reflected on the implications of the decision, pointing to what they see as a double standard in the justice system.
“Jussie received special treatment early on, and it’s clear that his influence played a role,” said Olabinjo Osundairo. “This sends a troubling message about fairness in the legal system. There are those with power and privilege, and then there’s everyone else.”
A Friendship Gone Wrong
The Osundairo brothers clarified their motivations for participating in the staged attack, emphasizing that their actions were not financially motivated.
“It was never about money,” Abimbola said. “It was about helping someone we considered a friend at the time. We trusted Jussie, and we genuinely thought we were doing him a favor.”
However, the fallout from the hoax has left lasting scars on their lives, and they admitted feeling used in hindsight.
The Broader Implications
The case reignited debates about trust in the justice system and the misuse of social issues for personal gain. Legal analysts and activists have pointed to the case as a cautionary tale about the dangers of undermining genuine claims of discrimination and hate crimes.
As Smollett continues to maintain his innocence, the Osundairo brothers believe the controversy could have been avoided if he had simply acknowledged his actions. “This was an opportunity to take responsibility, not just for himself, but to repair the damage done to real victims of hate crimes,” Abimbola concluded.
The case may be legally closed for now, but the societal questions it raised remain far from resolved.
