Jussie Smollett and Hate Crime Hoaxes

The real consequences of fake hate crimes.

An episode of the Honestly with Bari Weiss podcast, hosted by The Free Press, titled "Jussie Smollett and Hate Crime Hoaxes" was published on December 10, 2021 and runs 72 minutes.

December 10, 2021 ·72m · Honestly with Bari Weiss

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Summary

In 2019, Jussie Smollett’s hate crime allegations captured the nation. The actor and singer claimed that two men beat him, poured bleach over his head, and tied a noose around his neck—all while shouting homophobic and racial slurs. Many pointed to his story as proof that our country, even in liberal cities like Chicago, is still plagued by the most evil forms of racism. But a few weeks later, we got news that his story was a complete lie. And today, a jury found him guilty of just that. Why did he do it? On today’s episode, political scientist Wilfred Reilly, author of “Hate Crime Hoaxes,” explains why people like Jussie Smollett are willing to risk everything to gain the status of a victim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description

In 2019, Jussie Smollett’s hate crime allegations captured the nation. The actor and singer claimed that two men beat him, poured bleach over his head, and tied a noose around his neck—all while shouting homophobic and racial slurs. Many pointed to his story as proof that our country, even in liberal cities like Chicago, is still plagued by the most evil forms of racism. But a few weeks later, we got news that his story was a complete lie. And today, a jury found him guilty of just that. Why did he do it? On today’s episode, political scientist Wilfred Reilly, author of “Hate Crime Hoaxes,” explains why people like Jussie Smollett are willing to risk everything to gain the status of a victim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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