Actor and singer Jussie Smollett is officially off the market! The Empire star announced his engagement to fellow actor Jabri Redd in a heartfelt Instagram post late on Friday, coinciding with his 43rd birthday celebrations, reported TMZ. Smollett’s post included a series of sweet photos showing him on one knee outside a restaurant, proposing to Redd. Another image showed the couple embracing after the proposal. The final slide gave fans a glimpse of the elegant engagement ring. Actor Jussie Smollett is engaged to Jabari Redd.(Instagram/ Jussie Smollett)

Jussie Smollett engaged to Jabari Redd: Hollywood stars send love

Smollett, captioning the post, said that the actor will be spending his birthday with his fiancé. “He said YES,” the Marshall actor added in the caption of the photos which has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities alike.

Stars like Vivica A Fox, Taraji P Henson, and Halle Berry were among the first to share their excitement in the comments. Jussie’s sister and fellow actor Jurnee too commented on the post. She wrote, “Screaming with tears of joy!” Welcoming Redd to the family, she added, “My whole heart loves both of you.”

Jussie Smollett engaged to Jabari Redd: How the couple met

According to TMZ, it is unclear exactly how long the couple has been dating for. The two actors starred in the 2023 movie The Lost Holiday, which was also directed by Smollett.

Smollett’s engagement also marks a new chapter in the B-Boy Blues director’s life after years of public controversy stemming from a 2019 hate crime hoax. The actor, as per the TMZ report, reached a settlement with the city of Chicago earlier this year. He agreed to pay $50,000 to a charity.

The TMZ report quoted sources indicating that he chose the Building Better Futures Center for the Arts which focuses on uplifting young creatives in Chicago. Now, with legal issues behind him, Smollett appears focused on joy, healing, and building a future with his partner.

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FAQs

Q: Is Jussie Smollett engaged?

A: Yes, Jussie Smollett announced his engagement to fellow actor Jabari Redd on June 21, 2025, via Instagram.

Q: Who is Jussie Smollett’s famous sister?

A: His sister is Jurnee Smollett, known for her roles in Lovecraft Country, Birds of Prey, and Eve’s Bayou.

Q: Is Jussie Smollett really singing in Empire?

A: Yes, Jussie Smollett performed his own vocals as Jamal Lyon in Empire and has released solo music as well.

Q: What nationality is Jussie Smollett?

A: Jussie Smollett is American. He was born in Santa Rosa, California, and is of African-American and Jewish descent.

Watch : ‘Empire’ Alum Jussie Smollett Engaged to Jabari Redd: “He Said YES”

Jussie Smollett celebrated his birthday with a grand gesture.

On the day before his birthday, the Empire alum revealed that he popped the question to his boyfriend Jabari Redd by sharing a series of photos from the sweet engagement.

“I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé,” Jussie captioned a June 20 Instagram post alongside several photos of the actor getting down on one knee outside of what seems to be a restaurant. “He said YES.”

And moments after the big announcement, the 43-year-old’s family and friends were quick to offer their congratulations in the comments.

“Screaming with tears of joy,” Jussie’s little sister Jurnee Smollett gushed. “My whole heart loves both of you @jussiesmollett. Welcome to the family @jabriredd.”

For her part, their other sister Jazz Smollett echoed the sentiment in a message of her own.

“Yaaaass,” the 45-year-old wrote in the comments. “Welcome to the family Jabari!!! Love y’all!! Sooooo happy for you both!”

American actor, Jussie Smollett has announced that he’s now engaged to his longtime boyfriend, Jabari Redd.

The 43-year-old actor shared the news on Instagram, announcing that Jabari Redd said “yes” to his proposal.

Jussie Smollett, best known for his role in “Empire”, posted several photos capturing the emotional moment.

“I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé… He said YES,” the captioned photos of the proposal, which happened on a sidewalk outside a restaurant.

In the first photo, Smollett is down on one knee while Redd looks surprised and excited. Another picture shows Redd cheering with his hands in the air.

One touching moment captured Smollett slipping the ring on Redd’s finger, followed by a warm embrace between the two.

More photos show the couple celebrating, smiling, popping champagne, and sharing a close-up of the engagement ring.

Reacting to the development, Smollett’s sister, actress Jurnee Smollett, wrote, “Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you @jussiesmollett. Welcome to the family @jabariredd.”

Their sister Jazz added, “I was WAITINGGGGGG!!!!!! congratulations you 2. I pray blessings cover you as you’ve covered each other.”

Taraji P. Henson, Smollett’s “Empire” co-star, simply wrote, “My babies,” showing her support.

Although Jussie Smollett has mostly kept his relationship with Jabari Redd out of the spotlight, this public proposal marks a joyful new chapter for the couple.

See the photos below:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @jussiesmollett

KanyiDaily recalls that in 2022, Jussie Smollett was released on bond from jail in Chicago after his conviction for falsely claiming he was the victim of a hate crime.

Jussie Smollett celebrated his birthday as an engaged man.

The former “Empire” star, 43, revealed in an Instagram post that he is engaged to actor Jabari Redd. Smollett shared a gallery of photos showing himself down on one knee and presenting a ring to Redd, who looked elated.

“I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé … He said YES. 💍,” Smollett, who turned 43 on Saturday, June 21, wrote in the caption.

Redd has appeared on shows like Showtime’s “The Chi” and starred in “The Lost Holliday,” a 2024 film directed by and starring Smollett.

Smollett’s sister Jurnee Smollett celebrated his engagement in the comments of the Instagram post, writing that she was “screaming with tears of joy!” She added that “my whole heart loves both of you” and welcomed Redd “to the family.” Smollett’s sister Jazz Smollett also commented, “Yaaaass!!! Welcome to the family Jabari!!! Love y’all!! Sooooo happy for you both.”

Jussie Smollett conviction in hate crime hoax overturned by Illinois Supreme Court

The engagement news comes more than six years after Smollett was accused of staging a fake hate crime against himself in 2019. He claimed at the time that he was attacked by men who yelled homophobic slurs at him in Chicago.

Smollett was charged with lying to police about the attack, and he was convicted of felony disorderly conduct in 2021. But in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor’s conviction, determining that he should not have been charged a second time for the same incident after charges against him were initially dropped in 2019.

Smollett has repeatedly denied staging the hate crime and has maintained that the attack was real.

Smollett reached a civil settlement with the city of Chicago earlier this year, according to NBC News. In a statement released on Instagram, the actor said he would pay $50,000 to a local nonprofit.

“What I have to do now is move forward,” he said. “I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth.”

Smollett previously told People magazine in an interview in September 2024, “I’ve moved on and I know that the world, one day, and it might be long after I’m gone, who knows, but one day the world is going to fix this. I just can’t wait for that to happen because I have a life to live. But the world is going to fix it all.”

Love has officially found its way into the spotlight for Jussie Smollett, as stunning engagement news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond. The romantic revelation has captured hearts across social media, bringing together family members and fans in a celebration of pure joy and authentic love.

The announcement came as a complete surprise to many, marking a significant personal milestone for the Empire star that represents far more than just celebrity news. This heartwarming development showcases how love continues to triumph, creating moments of genuine happiness that resonate with people from all walks of life.

For those who have followed Smollett’s journey, the engagement represents the beautiful culmination of a relationship that has been carefully nurtured away from the harsh glare of public scrutiny. The couple‘s decision to share this intimate moment with the world demonstrates their readiness to embrace this new chapter together, surrounded by the love and support of those who matter most.

A picture-perfect proposal moment

On June 20, Jussie Smollett transformed social media into the stage for one of the most touching engagement announcements in recent memory. The romantic proposal unfolded outside a restaurant, creating an unexpectedly intimate setting that would soon be shared with millions around the world.

The proposal itself was a masterclass in romantic gestures, featuring all the classic elements that make such moments unforgettable. The careful planning that went into choosing the perfect location and timing reflected the deep thoughtfulness that has clearly characterized this relationship from its earliest days.

Photography captured the raw emotion of the moment, showing genuine surprise and overwhelming joy that cannot be fabricated or staged. These authentic reactions provided fans with a glimpse into a truly private moment, making the sharing of this experience even more special and meaningful.

The visual documentation of this milestone moment has since become a treasured piece of the couple’s love story, representing not just their commitment to each other but their willingness to share their happiness with a world that has supported them throughout their individual journeys.

A relationship built on privacy and genuine connection

The couple has maintained a remarkably private approach to their relationship, choosing to keep most details away from public consumption. This deliberate privacy has allowed their connection to develop naturally, without the pressures and scrutiny that often accompany high-profile relationships.

Previous glimpses into their relationship dynamic revealed a deep and committed partnership that had been developing steadily over time. The foundation they built together clearly provided the stability and trust necessary for taking this significant step forward in their lives together.

Their approach to privacy demonstrates a mature understanding of how to protect what matters most while still sharing appropriate moments with supportive fans and family members. This balance has clearly served them well as they navigated the early stages of their relationship.

The strength of their bond became evident through various subtle signs and public appearances that suggested a serious, committed partnership long before any official announcements were made. Their careful approach to sharing personal information has only made this engagement announcement more meaningful and impactful.

Family celebrations and overwhelming support

The engagement news sparked an immediate outpouring of love and support from family members, who took to social media to express their genuine excitement and joy. The family’s response highlighted the close-knit relationships that have clearly played an important role in supporting this new chapter.

Sibling reactions provided some of the most heartwarming responses to the engagement announcement, with family members expressing their happiness through social media posts that radiated pure joy and excitement. These authentic family reactions added an extra layer of warmth to an already touching announcement.

The family’s enthusiasm extended beyond simple congratulations, with relatives welcoming the new addition to their family circle with open arms and genuine affection. This warm reception demonstrates the strong family values that have clearly influenced this relationship from the beginning.

The immediate family support system that surrounded this engagement announcement suggests a solid foundation of love and acceptance that will undoubtedly strengthen the couple’s journey forward. Having such enthusiastic family backing represents an invaluable asset as they plan their future together.

Social media erupts with congratulations

The engagement announcement quickly gained momentum across various social media platforms, with fans and followers expressing their excitement through countless messages of support and congratulations. The overwhelming positive response demonstrated the genuine affection that people feel for this couple and their journey.

Comment sections filled with heartfelt messages from supporters who had been eagerly anticipating this kind of happy news. The diversity of responses showed how this engagement had touched people from different backgrounds and communities, all united in their celebration of love and commitment.

The viral nature of the announcement reflected not just celebrity interest but genuine human connection to a beautiful love story. People responded to the authenticity and joy displayed in the proposal photos, connecting with the universal experience of witnessing true love in action.

Fan reactions ranged from expressions of pure excitement to heartfelt wishes for a lifetime of happiness, showing the deep emotional investment that supporters have in seeing their favorite celebrities find personal fulfillment and joy in their private lives.

The significance of authentic representation

This engagement represents more than just personal happiness; it provides important representation for LGBTQ+ individuals who continue to seek visibility and acceptance in mainstream media and society. The couple’s willingness to share their joy contributes to broader conversations about love, acceptance, and equality.

The positive reception of this engagement news demonstrates how society continues to evolve in its acceptance and celebration of diverse relationships. The overwhelming support from fans and family alike shows that love truly knows no boundaries when it comes to finding acceptance and encouragement.

By sharing their engagement publicly, the couple has provided inspiration for others who may be navigating similar relationships or seeking the courage to live authentically. Their example shows that love, when genuine and committed, deserves celebration regardless of its form.

The representation provided by this high-profile engagement contributes to normalizing diverse relationships in mainstream entertainment and celebrity culture. This visibility can have profound impacts on young people and others who benefit from seeing positive examples of authentic relationships.

Looking toward the future

As this newly engaged couple begins planning their future together, they do so with the support of loving family members and countless fans who have invested emotionally in their happiness. The foundation they have built together suggests a bright future filled with continued growth and shared experiences.

The engagement marks the beginning of an exciting new phase that will likely bring new challenges and opportunities for growth. Having navigated the early stages of their relationship with such care and privacy, they appear well-prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Their approach to sharing this milestone suggests they will continue to balance privacy with appropriate public sharing, allowing fans to celebrate important moments while maintaining the personal space necessary for a healthy relationship.

The genuine love and support surrounding this engagement provides an optimistic outlook for their future together. With strong family backing and widespread public support, they have created an environment where their relationship can continue to flourish and grow.

This engagement announcement represents a beautiful reminder that love continues to triumph in all its forms, bringing joy not just to those directly involved but to everyone who believes in the power of authentic connection and commitment. As they move forward into this new chapter, they carry with them the hopes and best wishes of countless people who have been touched by their genuine happiness and love for each other.