Netflix is developing a feature-length documentary about Jussie Smollett, teaming up with the same production company behind The Tinder Swindler. This marks a significant pivot for Netflix, shifting narrative focus from high-profile fraudsters to celebrity controversies and perceived miscarriages of justice.
The Tinder Swindler, directed by Felicity Morris and produced by Raw TV, became a global phenomenon when Netflix released it in February 2022. The acclaimed true‑crime documentary exposed Simon Leviev’s elaborate cons on women via dating apps, drawing heavily on social media records and firsthand victim accounts . Pivoting from that model, the new Smollett film aims to examine one of the most divisive cases in entertainment and political discourse in recent years.
In January 2019, Smollett reported a homophobic and racist hate crime in Chicago, alleging that two men attacked him, used racial slurs, poured bleach on him, and tied a noose around his neck. After a protracted investigation, law enforcement concluded Smollett had orchestrated the incident with the help of the Osundairo brothers, who later said he paid them to stage the attack. Smollett was convicted in December 2021 on five counts of felony disorderly conduct, sentenced to 150 days in jail—though he served only six days before being released pending appeal .
The upcoming Netflix documentary is expected to dive deep into Smollett’s motivations, public fallout, legal proceedings, and its broader impact on cultural conversations around identity, media, and justice. Given the producers’ proven ability to craft suspenseful and emotionally impactful storytelling, audiences can likely anticipate a nuanced and immersive exploration that goes beyond headlines to examine the human and societal forces at play.
While Netflix has not yet released a release date or detailed production credits, this collaboration with the Tinder Swindler team signals a bold move into contentious, conversation‑driving content. As Netflix continues expanding its true‑crime and documentary footprint, this project could represent a high‑stakes opportunity to redefine narratives around celebrity, spectacle, and sc
andal.
