Who Is Jussie Smollet's Fiance? Know All About Jabari Redd, How They Met, Love After Scandal

American actor and singer Jussie Smollett’s name has, for years, been synonymous with one of the most controversial scandals of Hollywood, ever since the Empire star alleged to be the victim of a hate crime. The 2019 incident has caused a stir in the tabloids for years, sparking a storm of public debate about what really happened. Once celebrated as a rising star, Smollett found himself in the middle of a storm of highly publicised courtroom drama and public scrutiny.

Jussie Smollett's name is back in the headlines for the Netflix docuseries, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which aired on the streaming platform on August 22, 2025. For the first time, fans are getting to do a deep dive into one of the most infamous scandals that Hollywood has witnessed in recent years. The series has reignited conversations about what really happened in Chicago on that night of 2019, and how it affected Smollett’s career and public image. 

Amid the infamous drama, Smollett recently also had a huge upgrade in his personal life. In June 2025, the 43-year-old actor got engaged to his long-time partner, Jabari Redd, during a romantic getaway in Florence, Italy. Here's everything to know about his now-fiancé and the wholesome love story that unfolded behind the scenes.

Who is Jussie Smollett’s fiancé, Jabari Redd?

Jabari Redd is more than just Jussie Smollett’s fiancé. He is a multi-talented, award-winning actor and producer who has been carving his own unique path in the industry. Born and raised in Westbury, New York, Redd was a standout athlete before he shifted his focus to acting and production. His multi-hyphenated talent has landed him as one of the most promising artists who’s not going to stop anytime soon.

Over the years, Jabari Redd has built a diverse resume as a producer and an actor. He is best known for producing music videos for popular rapper Soulja Boy. Redd was also a part of the production team behind Lil Wayne’s Young Money Uproar Hip Hop Festival in Los Angeles in 2021. 

Jabari’s acting career dates back to 2012, but his portrayal of ‘D.C.’ in the 2021 film B-Boy Blues became his breakout role, for which he received much critical acclaim. The film, written and directed by Smollett, earned Jabari massive recognition in the indie film circuit.

Jabari later joined the cast of Showtime's hit show, The Chi, appearing in five episodes, which has also earned him significant praise and recognition. The actor continues to expand his base as a promising actor and producer.

How did Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd meet?

Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd have mostly kept their relationship private, so the exact timeline of their romance remains unknown. However, if their digital footprint is followed, Smollett first appeared on Redd’s Instagram in 2022. 

The couple grew close over the years, even starring opposite each other in Smollett’s film, The Lost Holliday (2024), appearing as Jason Holliday (Smollett) and ‘Damien Holliday’ (Redd). In a July 2024 interview with Gaye Magazine at the film’s screening, Jabari was heard praising Jussie as a ‘safe space’ for him. He was quoted as saying:

“Working with Jussie is just a real safe space.”

In the interviews where they promoted The Lost Holliday, Smollett and Redd made sure not to reveal too much about their personal lives. In a September 2024 appearance on Way Up with Angela Yee, both actors admitted to being ‘unavailable’ and ‘deeply in love’, though they never disclosed they were together. With his then-boyfriend sitting just across the table, Redd had cheekily said:

“I’m unavailable, and I’m in love. It’s been about a year.”

Now that fans look back at the interview, many believe the way Jussie and Jabari echoed each other’s sentiment was a subtle nod to their relationship, but it was not something that immediately caught the eye.

Inside Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd’s romantic engagement in Florence

On June 20, 2025, Smollett went public about his relationship in the most wholesome way possible. In the carousel of photos shared on his Instagram in collaboration with Jabari Redd, the Empire star was seen sitting on one knee on a street, a ring on his hand, as he asked Redd to be his husband.

The proposal happened during their trip to Florence, Italy. One of the photos showed Smollett slipping a diamond ring onto Redd’s finger outside a restaurant, as Redd reacted with surprise and joy. The photos sent the internet reeling with excitement for the wholesome couple.

The proposal announcement drew celebratory reactions from friends, fans, and family alike. Smollett’s sister Jurnee commented, “Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you. Welcome to the family.” His Empire co-star Taraji P. Henson also chimed in affectionately, calling the newly engaged pair “my babies”.

Jussie Smollett finds love after scandal

With the Netflix docuseries The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, fans are finally getting a clear insight into the hate crime scandal that tainted Jussie Smollett’s name over the years. Amidst the conspiracies and legal drama, the engagement has been more than a personal milestone for the 43-year-old actor, who has finally found lasting love. Reed has never made any public comment on Smollett’s 2019 incident or the controversies that followed. He instead focused on his art and relationship, collaborating with Smollett in his recent projects. 

What’s next for the couple?

With the engagement, it seems a wedding is in the cards soon for Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd, and fans can’t keep calm. For Smollett’s fans, friends, colleagues and his family, seeing the actor genuinely happy and peaceful with his partner after so much drama comes as a refreshing change. With the actor’s reality now out in the open with the Netflix docuseries, fans are hoping Smollett finally starts his healing journey with his partner. 

For fans who have followed Smollett through highs and lows, this love story is a reminder that even after controversy, there can be redemption, renewal, and joy.

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