Vivica A. Fox Speaks On Working w/ Jussie Smollett Despite His Ongoing Legal Troubles: ‘You Never Turn Your Back On Your Family’

Vivica A. Fox, Jussie Smollett

Vivica A. Fox Speaks On Working w/ Jussie Smollett Despite His Ongoing Legal Troubles: ‘You Never Turn Your Back On Your Family’

For Vivica A. Fox, it was no question whether or not she’d consider working with Jussie Smollett again after he was convicted of staging a racist homophobic hate crime against himself and lying to police about it back in 2021.

The actress recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about quickly accepting Jussie Smollett’s ask for her to be a part of his latest film The Lost Holliday, which the Empire star directed, co-wrote, produced, and stars in.

When asked about joining the project, Vivica A. Fox stated:

“When he gave me a call and said, ‘Vivica, I need you.’ I said, ‘Let me know when you’re ready to go.’ You never turn your back on family.”

She added:

“I’ve known him since he was 8 years old, and I know his heart.”

Jussie Smollett reportedly received a wealth of support from his other co-stars and producing partners as well.

His co-producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood also shared that she didn’t hesitate to work with Smollett, adding:

“I feel like everybody deserves a second chance. We’re in this society where everybody wants to cancel you, just throw you away instead of really listening to the person. And he has to work just like everybody else.”

She continued:

“I think he has spoken his piece. He has stood by what he has always said. Sometimes you’ve got to wrap your arms around people and give them a second chance. That’s what we do as women, as nurturers.”

The Lost Holliday follows the story of a recent widow (Smollett) who connects with his deceased husband’s estranged mother (Fox) who is surprised to learn her son was married, according to a synopsis.

Smallwood also stated that she “literally cried” while reading the script, and expressed how important it is that people see the movie which is currently in theaters.

Elsewhere in the interview, Smollett shared that he’s keeping himself busy doing what he loves as he continues to await the results of his conviction appeal.

What are your thoughts on the support for Jussie Smollett? Comment and let us know!