Jussie Smollett is officially engaged. The Empire actor and filmmaker revealed that he proposed to his longtime partner, Jabari Redd, during a romantic rooftop moment over his birthday weekend—and Redd said yes.
In a carousel of photos shared on Instagram, Smollett is seen down on one knee with the city skyline in the background, while Redd, clearly surprised, beams with joy.
“I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé… He said YES,” Smollett captioned the post.
Family and Friends Celebrate the Couple
Reactions from fans and fellow celebrities poured in instantly, with Smollett’s siblings leading the way. Actress Jurnee Smollett commented,
“Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you… Welcome to the family @jabariredd.”
Jazz Smollett also shared her excitement:
“Yaaaass!!! Welcome to the family, Jabari!!! Love y’all!! Sooooo happy for you both!”
Notable names like Robert Glasper, Amber Riley, Durand Bernarr, and Empire executive producer Lee Daniels also offered their congratulations, applauding the couple’s love and commitment.
A Quiet Romance in the Public Eye
While Smollett and Redd have mostly kept their relationship out of the spotlight, they’ve occasionally shared glimpses online since 2022. The pair made a creative appearance together in “The Lost Holiday”, a 2023 Christmas film produced by Smollett under his production banner SuperMassive, alongside Tressa Azarel Smallwood and Mona Scott-Young. The film starred Vivica A. Fox and marked another step in Smollett’s return to behind-the-scenes work in Hollywood.
Who Is Jabari Redd?
Jabari Redd is a multi-talented creative director with a background in music, digital storytelling, visual art, and branding. He has worked on various independent film projects and has joined Smollett at public events, subtly supporting his re-entry into the entertainment world.
A New Chapter Begins
Smollett, best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on Fox’s Empire, has been making a careful return to the spotlight after a challenging period in his career. Through independent films and music, he’s reconnecting with fans—and now, opening a new chapter in his personal life.
No wedding details have been released yet, but the couple’s engagement has already become one of the most heartwarming moments in entertainment this year.
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