In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne tha God, renowned filmmaker Lee Daniels opened up about the complex nature of his relationship with Jussie Smollett and his willingness to consider casting the actor in future projects despite the tumultuous past.
Lee Daniels expressed the intricacies of his feelings towards Jussie, stating, “We text each other. It’s so complicated. I still don’t know what to believe. God bless him on his journey.” Despite the uncertainty, Daniels emphasized his paternal bond with Smollett, referring to him as a “son” and acknowledging his role in representing Daniels and his artistic endeavors.
This update comes after Daniels’ previous struggles following Smollett’s legal scandal in 2019, where the actor claimed to be a victim of a hate crime. Daniels admitted feeling deep embarrassment for his initial defense of Smollett and the subsequent need to distance himself from the situation due to its emotional toll.
While Smollett faced legal consequences and professional setbacks, including his departure from the final season of Empire, his resilience shines through as he continues to pursue his passion in the film industry. Notably, he recently directed, wrote, and starred in The Lost Holliday alongside Vivica A. Fox.
As both Daniels and Smollett navigate their respective journeys in the entertainment world, the possibility of future collaborations remains on the horizon, showcasing the complexities of forgiveness, redemption, and artistic camaraderie in the face of adversity.
Written by
Derek Chan
