Jussie Smollett, the star of 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test,' has had a remarkable journey since his controversial hate crime incident six years ago. Despite the ups and downs, he remains resilient and is grateful for the opportunities that come his way.
In a recent interview, Smollett opened up about his experience on the show and how it has impacted his life. He joined the FOX series with determination, but unfortunately, his journey came to an early end due to a lung infection. While he initially felt disappointed, Smollett quickly found solace in the luxurious accommodations and a delicious meal that awaited him after his medical withdrawal.
"At that moment, I embraced my lung infection!" Smollett joked, highlighting the silver lining in his unexpected departure.
Throughout his time on 'Special Forces,' Smollett addressed the 2019 controversy that had a significant impact on his life. He reported being a victim of a hate crime, but the case took a turn when prosecutors accused him of staging the attack. Despite maintaining his innocence, Smollett faced legal consequences and served a brief jail sentence before the verdict was overturned in 2024.
Despite the public's opinions and judgments, Smollett remains focused on moving forward. He understands that people will have varying beliefs and opinions, but he chooses to embrace vulnerability and show his true self.
"I'm at a point where I accept that everyone will have an opinion. Life goes on, and I'm grateful to be doing things I enjoy," Smollett shared.
When asked about his experience on the show, Smollett expressed his enjoyment and the positive impact it had on him. He formed strong bonds with his fellow cast members, including Eva Marcille, who faced a scary moment during a challenge. Smollett praised Marcille's resilience and their shared experience on the show.
"Eva is like family to me. We went through a lot together, and I'm glad she's doing well," Smollett said.
Smollett also addressed the possibility of returning to the show with his sister, Jurnee Smollett-Bell. While he expressed admiration for her physical abilities, he confirmed that neither of them would be participating in future seasons.
"Jurnee would be a force to be reckoned with, but she has no interest in joining me on the show. And neither do I!" Smollett laughed.
As for future endeavors, Smollett revealed his interest in exploring other competition shows, specifically mentioning 'Baddies on Zeus.' He plans to be a guest and enjoy the experience without the pressure of competing.
"I'm excited to see what 'Baddies' has in store. It's a fun show, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it in a different capacity," he added.
Smollett's journey on 'Special Forces' serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of embracing life's experiences, both good and bad. Despite the controversies, he remains focused on the present and the opportunities that lie ahead.
"I'm happy to be doing what I love and being vulnerable. Life is too short to hold back," Smollett concluded.
