Jussie Smollett's felony case caused a divide amongst the public, especially within America's Black community. Many people are condemning the alleged liar, while many others are showing unwavering support. Quincy Jones appears to land somewhere in the middle.
The music icon was asked to comment on Smollett's predicament. Jones seemed almost aloof as he responded while signing autographs, hardly looking up at the camera that captured his image.
When asked whether Jussie could ever be forgiven, Jones recalled meeting the actor when he was only a child. "Yes, 'cause I love him," he shared. "I met him when he was four-years-old." Quincy was quick to look up and add, "He's stupid though."
Then came the mention of Smollett's career. Jones did not hesitate to predict the complete destruction of the young man's professional trajectory, tearing down a potential comeback. "That's the way it works, man," he offered. "Today, the information goes so fast. You can't get away from it."
Smollett has already been dropped from the show that lifted him to mainstream recognition, cut out of this season's last two episodes. Empire creator Lee Daniels is entertaining the idea of keeping the narrative intact by simply casting someone else in the role of Jamal Lyon.