Jussie Smollett believes he will ultimately find justice.

The “Empire” actor, who was convicted in 2021 for orchestrating a racist and homophobic attack in January 2019, spoke about healing from his legal challenges in an interview released by People magazine on Saturday.

“I’ve moved on and I have faith that one day, maybe long after I’m gone, the world will correct this,” Smollett shared with the publication. “I’m eager for that moment to arrive because I have a life to live. Yet, I truly believe the world will make it right.”

In December 2021, Smollett, who identifies as Black and gay, was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct, with each count representing a separate instance of lying to the police following the supposed attack. He informed police that someone had placed a noose around his neck and shouted racial and sexual orientation slurs. Authorities also stated that Smollett claimed the attackers yelled, “This is MAGA country!” before escaping.

He received a sentence of 150 days in jail, 30 months of felony probation, and was instructed to pay $120,106 in restitution along with a $25,000 fine. Smollett was released from jail after six days pending his appeal against the conviction.

During Smollett’s trial, brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo testified that the actor hired them to stage an assault near his Chicago residence in January 2019. They recounted that Smollett planned the incident, instructing them to attack him where a surveillance camera could capture it and expressed a desire to have the video shared on social media.

In February, Smollett appealed his conviction to the Illinois Supreme Court, arguing that he is protected by double jeopardy. In December 2023, an Illinois appellate court upheld his disorderly conduct conviction and sentence in a 2-1 ruling.

Jussie Smollett reveals he felt ‘numb’ after alleged hate crime incident

In his interview with People, Smollett shared his emotional experience following the highly publicized hate crime case.

“I was numb,” he recounted. “I couldn’t connect the dots. Honestly, at that moment, I just couldn’t understand what was happening or how people perceived the situation what do they believe occurred? It was like trying to figure out a puzzle without the pieces.”

The Emmy-nominated actor spoke candidly about hitting his lowest point after his February 2019 arrest.

“That day was particularly dark because everything became clear about what was happening,” Smollett reflected. “I faced many challenges that tested my resilience, both mentally and emotionally, but through it all, I maintained a grip on who I truly am. That was one thing that never shifted for me.”

In spite of his past legal issues, Smollett stated he intends to “move ahead.”

“I’m not going to wallow in self-pity or say, ‘Oh, poor me,’ because so many individuals lack the platform or resources I have to shield themselves,” Smollett remarked. “I fully recognize my privilege in this situation. That’s why, for me, there comes a point where I must let go of the pain.”

Jussie Smollett is hopeful about the future following his legal battles

Smollett is set to make his return to the film industry in the self-directed drama “The Lost Holliday,” featuring Smollett alongside Jabari Redd and Vivica A. Fox.

He participated in a screening of the film in New York City on Wednesday.

“I want my future child to look at me and think, ‘Wow, he persevered and created a better world, even if only slightly, than what he inherited,'” Smollett shared with People magazine. “Ultimately, I want my child to feel pride in who I am and recognize that I did this for them, and one day they will see this and say, ‘Oh, he did this for us.'”

Despite his unclear legal status, Smollett remains positive, saying, “The universe manages everything and reveals the truth.”

“You have to reflect on the challenging moments in your life and think, ‘If someone made a two-hour movie about my life, those hard times would probably only take up seven minutes,'” Smollett explained. “All the positive achievements and experiences should ideally far outweigh the truly tough phases.”