Jussie Smollett’S Big Comeback: Engagement To Jabari Redd Heats Up Hollywood!

Jussie Smollett: From Scandal to Sweet Romance in SoCal Spotlight

LA’s own Jussie Smollett has been a name tied to drama ever since that infamous 2019 hate crime controversy shook Hollywood harder than a Santa Ana wind. The Empire star’s life turned into a real-life soap opera with courtroom battles and tabloid frenzy, leaving his once-rising star dimmed by public scrutiny. But now, Tinseltown is buzzing with a different kind of story - one of love, redemption, and a fresh start.

Fast forward to 2025, and Smollett is back in the headlines, not just for the Netflix docuseries The Truth About Jussie Smollett? that dropped on August 22, but for a personal glow-up that’s got everyone talking. Amidst the rehashed debates about what went down in Chicago back in ’19, this 43-year-old actor is flipping the script with a romantic milestone that’s pure Hollywood magic.

Smollett’s engagement to long-time partner Jabari Redd, announced in June 2025, is the kind of love story that could headline a rom-com on the Sunset Strip. Let’s dive into who Redd is, how these two met, and why their romance is the talk of every Venice Beach coffee shop.

Who’s Jabari Redd? Meet Jussie’s Multi-Talented Fiancé

If you’re wondering who stole Jussie Smollett’s heart, meet Jabari Redd - a Westbury, New York native who’s been quietly killing it in the entertainment game. This award-winning actor and producer isn’t just arm candy; he’s a legit talent with a resume as diverse as a Downtown LA food truck lineup. From standout athlete to creative powerhouse, Redd’s journey to the spotlight is one to watch.

Redd’s made waves producing music videos for heavyweights like Soulja Boy and being part of the team behind Lil Wayne’s Young Money Uproar Hip Hop Festival right here in LA back in 2021. His acting chops shine too, with a breakout role as ‘D.C.’ in the 2021 indie hit B-Boy Blues - directed by none other than Smollett himself - earning him major props on the festival circuit.

Adding to his creds, Redd has popped up in Showtime’s gritty drama The Chi across five episodes, proving he’s got staying power. With every project, this rising star is carving out his own lane, and now, he’s got a ring on it to match his hustle.

How Did Jussie and Jabari Find Love?

Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd play their relationship cards close to the chest, keeping the deets more locked down than a Hollywood Hills gated community. While the exact start of their romance is a mystery, a little Instagram sleuthing shows Smollett popping up on Redd’s feed as early as 2022. That’s when fans first started connecting the dots.

Their bond deepened over time, with the duo even teaming up on screen in Smollett’s 2024 film The Lost Holliday, playing Jason and Damien Holliday. In a July 2024 chat with Gaye Magazine during a screening, Redd gushed about working with Smollett, calling it a game-changer.

“Teaming up with Jussie on set feels like coming home - it’s a space where I can just be myself,” Redd shared.

A Proposal Straight Out of a Hollywood Script

On June 20, 2025, Smollett made it official with a proposal that could’ve been shot on a soundstage with all the romance vibes. During a dreamy getaway to Florence, Italy, the Empire alum got down on one knee, ring in hand, on a charming street outside a restaurant. The Instagram carousel they posted together captured Redd’s shocked and joyful reaction as Smollett slid a diamond ring onto his finger.

The internet lost it over the wholesome moment, with fans and celebs alike flooding the comments with love. Smollett’s sister Jurnee dropped a tearful “Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you. Welcome to the family,” while Empire co-star Taraji P. Henson affectionately called them “my babies.”

This kind of public love fest is rare for Smollett, who’s kept things low-key after years of tabloid chaos. But this SoCal summer energy moment? It’s got everyone rooting for their happy ending.

Love After Scandal: Jussie’s Redemption Arc

While the Netflix docuseries The Truth About Jussie Smollett? is peeling back layers of the 2019 scandal that nearly derailed his career, this engagement feels like a personal victory lap for the actor. After years of legal battles and conspiracy theories, finding lasting love with Redd is a bright spot in a stormy past. Redd, for his part, has stayed mum on the controversy, focusing instead on their shared projects and building a life together.

For Smollett, this isn’t just a ring - it’s a symbol of renewal after riding out some of Hollywood’s toughest waves. Fans are seeing a man ready to heal, with Redd by his side as his rock through the chaos of fame and fallout.

What’s Next for This Power Couple?

With a wedding likely on the horizon, Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd have fans hyped for what’s next. Will it be a star-studded affair on a Malibu cliffside or a quiet ceremony in the Hollywood Hills? Either way, the buzz is real, and LA’s gossip mill is already spinning.

For Smollett’s loyal supporters, seeing him at peace with Redd after years of turmoil feels like a breath of fresh ocean air off Santa Monica Pier. As the docuseries lays bare his past, this love story reminds us that even after the darkest LA nights, there’s always a chance for a sunrise - and maybe a happily ever after.

Stick with us for more updates on this couple’s journey, because if there’s one thing Hollywood loves, it’s a comeback story with heart. Who knows, maybe we’ll catch these two strolling down the Walk of Fame as husbands soon enough!