Breaking News
Jussie Smollett, Former ‘Empire’ Star, Conviction Overturned in Hate Crime Hoax By Illinois Supreme Court
Remember when Lee Daniels’ primetime music industry soap drama, Empire (2015-2020), was all the rage on Fox? Well, at that time its breakout star, Jussie Smollett (ex-Jamal Lyon), got himself in very hot water with the law as the series was coming to its conclusion in its sixth and final season.
Now on Thursday, Smollett, who was convicted on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in 2019 and lied to police in overwhelming evidence against him, had his conviction overturned due to prosecutorial issues by the Illinois Supreme Court decision.
The state’s Supreme Court ruled that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the Cook County state’s attorney initially dropped charges against Smollett in exchange for him forfeiting his $10,000 bond and conducting community service.

Photo: Fox
In the charges, Jussie who is also gay, claimed two men assaulted him, spouted racial and homophobic slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. This lead to a very wide-ranging search for suspects by Chicago police detectives which ate up manpower. Empire also filmed in Chicago at the time. In the original court case, prosecutors alleged Smollett staged the attack because he was unhappy with the show and the network’s response to hate mail he received.
Justice Elizabeth Rochford wrote in the court’s 5-0 opinion, “We are aware that this case has generated significant public interest and that many people were dissatisfied with the resolution of the original case and believed it to be unjust. Nevertheless, what would be more unjust than the resolution of any one criminal case would be a holding from this court that the state was not bound to honor agreements upon which people have detrimentally relied.”

Photo: AP
Smollett’s attorneys had argued that the case was over when Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office dropped all 16 counts against Smollett. However, that plea deal faced a massive backlash. Next, a special prosecutor was appointed, and a grand jury restored charges, leading to Smollett’s 2021 conviction on five of the counts.
In a statement, Smollett’s attorney, Nenye Uche, shared, “This was not a prosecution based on facts, rather it was a vindictive persecution and such a proceeding has no place in our criminal justice system. Rule of law was the big winner today.” He thanked the Supreme Court for “restoring order to Illinois’ criminal law jurisprudence.”
Special prosector, Dan Webb disagreed with the court’s decision expressing, “The Illinois Supreme Court did not find any error with the overwhelming evidence presented at trial that Mr. Smollett orchestrated a fake hate crime and reported it to the Chicago Police Department as a real hate crime, or the jury’s unanimous verdict that Mr. Smollett was guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct.
At the original trial, it was revealed that Smollett paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew to carry out the ‘fake’ attack. Prosecutors said he told them what slurs to shout, and to yell that Smollett was in “MAGA country.” This was in reference, at that time, to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign slogan.
When the dust settled. Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail, only six of which he served before he was freed pending appeal and ordered to pay $130,000 in restitution for the trouble he caused the Chicago PD.
Smollett recently starred in a new movie with another former soap star, Vivica A. Fox (ex-Generations) in the feature, The Lost Holliday.
Following the news of the overturning of Smollett’s conviction, TMZ’s Harvey Levin, a lawyer himself for the past 50 years, had some choice words on the ruling. You can see that below.
What do you think of Jussie’s conviction being overturned by the Illinois Suprem? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
#JussieSmollett‘s conviction in the hate crime hoax case is now reversed. #HarveyLevin breaks down all we know. Full article here 👉https://t.co/9yzd95Ipu5 pic.twitter.com/FbaK1oYjx8
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 21, 2024
You do the crime, you do the time!
Smollett was found guilty by a jury,
just like a certain criminal about to
reenter the White House. Everyone
knows that each of these creeps is
guilty. Yet each is walking freely…
Justice for Juicy and shit LMFAO Dave Chappelle is hella funny
Breaking News
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”

Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.

Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet: Women in Glam – Who’s Got the Look?

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.

Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!

Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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