Jussie Smollett Trending Over Alleged Departure from X

 

Actor and singer Jussie Smollett has sparked online conversations following reports that he has announced his departure from the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). The news has garnered significant attention, with many drawing parallels between Smollett's decision and that of his close friend, former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who recently left the platform as well.

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The Irony of Smollett’s Departure

What adds a layer of irony to these reports is that Smollett has not been active on X for several years. Nevertheless, his alleged announcement has ignited debates across the platform, with users revisiting his past controversies, particularly the 2019 incident involving a staged hate crime that led to legal trouble and widespread criticism.

A user, @PatrickKrimer, summed up the general sentiment with a sharp quip:
"Wait… back-up, Jussie Smollett said X has become a platform for 'hoaxes'…???"

Another, @davidkarim, wrote:
"The king of lies, racism, and hoaxes calls X a platform for lies, racism, and hoaxes. You really can’t make this stuff up."

Mixed Reactions to the Announcement

The reaction to Smollett’s alleged departure has been overwhelmingly sarcastic, with users either poking fun at the announcement or questioning its significance:

• @stephen_br68064: "Says the liar who tried to pull a huge hoax on America."
• @BruceB9865538: "This isn’t the airport. They don’t need to announce their departures."
• @BJWhittingham added: "It's nice that Jussie and Don are doing their part in reducing the number of lies, racism, and hoaxes on this platform… by leaving it."

Some users, however, highlighted the double standard in how certain public figures are treated, referring to Smollett's high-profile friendship with Lemon and his past legal issues. A tweet by @DschlopesIsBack questioned:
"Did we let Don Lemon off the hook WAY too easy for his 'key role' in helping his friend Jussie try to cover up his fake, racist hate hoax?"

Revisiting the 2019 Incident

Smollett’s controversial past continues to haunt him. In 2019, the "Empire" actor falsely claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago, an incident that was later revealed to have been orchestrated. The incident led to criminal charges, a conviction for lying to police, and significant damage to his reputation.

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@Jollof_Marshal summed up the general consensus in his tweet:
"Dave Chappelle explained it best." This refers to Chappelle’s widely circulated stand-up bit, where he dissected the absurdity of the Smollett incident.

The Broader Conversation on Social Media

Smollett's reported departure also raises questions about the changing dynamics of social media platforms. Users like @CadereFortis pointed out the irony of individuals known for controversies criticizing the platforms they once used to build their fame.

Whether the reports of Smollett’s departure are accurate or not, one thing remains clear: his name still has the power to spark intense conversations and revive debates about truth, accountability, and celebrity influence in the digital age.