The Truth About Jussie Smollett? is a 2025 UK documentary for Netflix that revisits the actor’s 2019 Chicago case through new interviews and archival material.
It is directed by Gagan Rehill and produced by RAW (the company behind Don’t F**k With Cats and The Tinder Swindler).
Key on-screen voices include Jussie Smollett, former CPD officials Eddie Johnson and Melissa Staples, journalist Rafer Weigel, writer Josie Duffy Rice, and the Osundairo brothers. T
he film presents the real-life events from multiple perspectives rather than a scripted narrative. It premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2025.
The Truth About Jussie Smollett Age Rating
The Truth About Jussie Smollett is rated TV-MA (Netflix). The documentary contains mature discussion of a high-profile hate-crime case, repeated mentions of racial and homophobic slurs in interviews and archival context, heated confrontations, and emotionally intense material connected to police investigations and court proceedings. It is intended for adult audiences.
Violence & Peril
No graphic violence is shown. Expect tense recounting of the alleged attack, mention of a noose, and police standoffs described by participants. Archival footage and reenactment imagery can be unsettling due to the subject matter, not gore.
Language
Frequent mature language appears in interviews and coverage. There is explicit discussion of racial and homophobic slurs quoted from reports and testimony. These are presented for context but may be upsetting for teens.
Mature Themes
Themes include alleged hate crime, media polarization, false-report accusations, police procedure, and the legal appeals timeline. The film comes from RAW, known for hard-hitting true-crime docs, and leans on conflicting narratives that viewers are asked to weigh.
Is The Truth About Jussie Smollett? Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The language and mature themes are not appropriate.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Repeated slur references and intense legal content require high emotional maturity.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Older teens interested in media literacy or criminal justice may watch with context and discussion afterward.
Bottom line: Best for 16+ with parental guidance, or adults.
What Parents Can Do
Preview and prepare: Watch first and decide if your teen can handle slur usage in a documentary context.
Discuss media literacy: Compare how different sources frame the same event and why the film invites viewers to “decide.”
Add historical context: Talk about hate-crime laws, police investigations, and appeals so teens separate facts from speculation.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for The Truth About Jussie Smollett??
A: It is TV-MA on Netflix, indicating mature content for adults.
Q: Is The Truth About Jussie Smollett appropriate for kids or young teens?
A: Generally, no. Slur references and intense real-world themes make it unsuitable for most under 16.
Q: Does the documentary include violence or scary scenes?
A: No graphic violence, but tense recounting of the alleged attack and disturbing details may unsettle sensitive viewers.
Q: How strong is the language? Are slurs used?
A: There is mature language and repeated discussion of racial and homophobic slurs in a reporting/interview context.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No sexual content; the “maturity” comes from language and real-world legal themes.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: Streaming exclusively on Netflix from August 22, 2025.