Discover Jussie Smollett’s fiancé Jabari Redd, their romantic Florence engagement, Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Introduction
For years, Jussie Smollett has been a polarizing name in Hollywood. Best known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the hit series Empire, the actor and singer once stood at the peak of fame, only to face a dramatic downfall after his involvement in the 2019 Chicago hate crime scandal. His career shifted from red carpets to courtroom drama, and public opinion divided sharply. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Now in 2025, Smollett has returned to headlines with Netflix’s The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, a docuseries revisiting the scandal and its aftermath. Yet, beyond the noise of controversy, the 43-year-old actor has found love, peace, and stability with someone who has walked beside him quietly—his fiancé, Jabari Redd.
In June 2025, the couple announced their engagement during a romantic getaway in Florence, Italy. This milestone marks a turning point in Smollett’s life: a shift from public scandal to private joy. But who is Jabari Redd, and how did their love story unfold? Let’s dive deep.
Who Is Jabari Redd?
Jabari Redd is not just Jussie Smollett’s fiancé—he is an actor, producer, and rising creative force carving his own space in the entertainment industry. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Early Life and Background
- Born and raised in Westbury, New York, Jabari Redd was known in his younger years as a standout athlete.
- Eventually, his focus shifted from sports to performing arts, where he discovered his true passion for acting and storytelling.
Career in Music and Production
Redd’s initial break came from working behind the scenes. He made his mark in the music industry by producing music videos for Soulja Boy, one of the early pioneers of internet-driven hip-hop fame. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
In 2021, he also worked with the production team behind Lil Wayne’s Young Money Uproar Festival in Los Angeles, an event that showcased some of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Transition to Acting
Though he had been acting since 2012, Jabari’s breakout role came in the 2021 film B-Boy Blues, where he portrayed “D.C.”. The film, adapted from James Earl Hardy’s novel and directed by Smollett himself, earned Redd critical acclaim in the independent film circuit.
He later appeared in Showtime’s The Chi, where his performance across five episodes further cemented his reputation as a versatile and promising actor. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Building His Own Identity
Unlike many celebrity partners, Redd is not overshadowed by Smollett’s fame. He is building his independent identity as an actor and producer, all while choosing to remain grounded and private about his personal life.
How Did Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd Meet?
The couple has been private about their romance, making their love story even more intriguing for fans. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
- First Social Media Clue (2022): Jussie first appeared on Jabari’s Instagram in 2022, sparking quiet speculation among fans.
- Working Together in The Lost Holliday (2024): The two co-starred in Smollett’s directorial project The Lost Holliday, portraying Jason and Damien Holliday. Their on-screen chemistry added fuel to rumors about their off-screen closeness.
- Interviews in 2024: During a July 2024 screening interview, Jabari described working with Smollett as being in a “safe space.” Later, on Way Up with Angela Yee (September 2024), both hinted at being “deeply in love,” though they never confirmed they were together.
Looking back now, fans believe those subtle hints were their way of protecting something precious until they were ready to share it with the world.
Inside Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd’s Engagement in Florence
On June 20, 2025, Smollett proposed to Redd in Florence, Italy, turning speculation into confirmation with a heartfelt moment captured in photos shared on Instagram.
The Proposal
- Smollett got down on one knee on a quiet Florentine street, holding a diamond ring.
- One photo showed him sliding the ring onto Redd’s finger outside a restaurant.
- Redd’s genuine shock and joy lit up the series of photos, melting hearts across social media. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Reactions from Friends and Family
The announcement received an outpouring of love:
- Smollett’s sister, Jurnee Smollett, commented: “Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you. Welcome to the family.”
- His Empire co-star, Taraji P. Henson, chimed in with affection: “My babies.”
Fans, too, expressed overwhelming happiness, seeing Smollett finally embrace love openly after years of turbulence. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Love After Scandal: A Fresh Start for Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett’s scandal in 2019 remains one of the most widely debated incidents in recent Hollywood history. Alleging he was the victim of a racially motivated and homophobic attack, Smollett later faced accusations of fabricating the incident. The legal battles, divided opinions, and career fallout left his public image deeply bruised.
The Role of Love in His Healing
In this context, Smollett’s relationship with Jabari Redd feels like a turning point: Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
- Private Support System: Redd has never spoken publicly about the scandal, choosing instead to focus on his art and his relationship.
- Collaborations: Working together on projects like B-Boy Blues and The Lost Holliday has allowed them to blend personal and professional lives seamlessly.
- Emotional Stability: After years of legal battles and media trials, Smollett appears more grounded, choosing love and personal growth over controversy.
For fans, their engagement represents redemption, renewal, and joy after years of chaos. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
What’s Next for Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd?
While no wedding date has been publicly announced, all signs point to a wedding in the near future. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Career Outlook
- Smollett is navigating a slow but steady career revival with the Netflix docuseries and independent projects.
- Redd is continuing to build momentum in acting and production, expanding his resume and reaching new audiences.
Life as a Couple
The couple is expected to remain private, sharing glimpses of their journey only when they feel ready. If their engagement photos are any indication, they’ll continue to celebrate milestones on their own terms. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
Why Fans Are Rooting for Them
The Smollett-Redd relationship has become a symbol of:
- Resilience: Love blossomed despite scandal and scrutiny.
- Authenticity: They chose to be private until the time was right.
- Representation: As a Black queer couple in Hollywood, their story adds much-needed visibility to LGBTQ+ love stories.
In a world that often defines celebrities by their scandals, Smollett’s engagement reminds fans that personal happiness can thrive even in the aftermath of controversy. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
FAQs About Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd
Q1: Who is Jussie Smollett’s fiancé?
Jussie Smollett is engaged to Jabari Redd, an actor and producer.
Q2: When did Jussie Smollett get engaged?
He got engaged on June 20, 2025, in Florence, Italy.
Q3: How did Jussie Smollett and Jabari Redd meet?
They met through industry circles and grew closer while working on B-Boy Blues and The Lost Holliday.
Q4: What does Jabari Redd do?
He is an actor and producer, best known for B-Boy Blues and appearances on Showtime’s The Chi.
Q5: What’s next for the couple?
Fans anticipate a wedding soon, while both continue to pursue careers in acting and production.
Conclusion
From scandal to love, Jussie Smollett’s journey is a rollercoaster of controversy, resilience, and redemption. His engagement to Jabari Redd is not just a personal milestone but also a powerful symbol of starting over. Jussie Smollett Fiance Jabari Redd Love
While the world debates his past, Smollett has chosen to focus on his future—with Redd by his side. Their love story, private yet impactful, is a reminder that even in the harshest storms, happiness and healing are possible.
For fans, friends, and family, the couple’s engagement feels like a new chapter—one filled with love, artistry, and the promise of brighter days.