Love stories have a way of capturing our heart, and this one is no exception. The couple shared their joy with the world in a heartfelt Instagram post, marking a new chapter in their life together. Surrounded by warmth and celebration, the moment was nothing short of magical.
On June 20, 2024, the actor revealed the exciting news through a seven-frame carousel. The couple’s happiness radiated as they celebrated near a cozy restaurant, champagne in hand. Friends and family flooded the comments with love, including emotional messages from Jurnee Smollett and Taraji P. Henson.
The proposal itself was pure romance—kneeling on a quiet street, a stunned expression turning into tears of joy. The final slide showcased a dazzling ring, sealing their commitment. Amid legal battles and personal growth, this milestone shines bright, proving love always finds a way.
Jussie Smollett Announces Engagement to Boyfriend Jabari Redd
Tears, cheers, and a sparkling ring—this proposal had it all. The couple’s happiness radiated through each Instagram frame, turning a private moment into a public celebration of love.
Instagram Proposal: A Frame-by-Frame Celebration
The first photo showed Smollett kneeling on a quiet sidewalk, a dusky skyline framing the intimate moment. His partner’s hands flew to his face in the next slide—a mix of shock and joy captured mid-reaction.
By the third frame, all eyes were on the ring: an emerald-cut diamond gleaming against soft candlelight. The final image sealed the story—a prolonged embrace, Redd’s tear-stained cheeks pressed against Smollett’s shoulder.
Redd’s Emotional Reaction and the Ring Reveal
Witnesses described Redd as «yelling with happiness» before dissolving into quiet awe as the ring slid onto his finger. The setting, though public, felt deeply personal—a tucked-away urban corner with champagne chilling nearby.
| Proposal Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sidewalk near an intimate restaurant |
| Ring | Emerald-cut diamond, platinum band |
| Reactions | Shock → Tears → Celebration |
Fans noted parallels to Smollett’s film The Lost Holliday, where he directed a similarly heartfelt proposal scene. Yet this moment was undeniably real—the timeline of their relationship now marked by a sparkling new chapter.
For more on their journey, read about their costarring roles and shared passions.
From Co-Stars to Fiancés: The Smollett-Redd Love Story
Some love stories begin where the cameras stop rolling. For this couple, a film set became the backdrop for a real-life romance that defied their fictional tragedy.
Working Together on The Lost Holliday
Their chemistry was undeniable from day one. Playing lovers Jason and Damien in the 2024 drama, they turned scripted emotions into something deeper. «It’s a hopeful film about tomorrow’s possibilities,» Smollett told PEOPLE—a sentiment that mirrored their off-screen bond.
While Redd’s character met a heartbreaking end in the *series*, their real-life story took a brighter turn. Rumors swirled during LA filming in 2023, but neither confirmed the relationship until a year later.
Their Relationship Timeline and Shared Passions
Fans first spotted them together at the 2023 GLAAD Awards, sparking whispers. Smollett’s sudden Instagram purge—deleting all posts—hinted at a fresh start before going public with Redd.
Beyond acting, their shared *interest* in activism cemented their bond. Smollett’s vocal BLM support aligned with Redd’s LGBTQ+ advocacy, creating a partnership rooted in social change.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| First Meeting | 2023 film set of *The Lost Holliday* |
| Public Debut | 2023 GLAAD Awards |
| Shared Causes | BLM, LGBTQ+ rights |
From theater stages to TV fame, their paths converged into a *life* built on love and purpose. As Smollett once said, «The best stories are the ones you don’t see coming.»
Celebrity Reactions and Public Support
Celebrity reactions poured in as the engagement news went viral. From family members to Empire co-stars, the outpouring of love underscored the couple’s impact on and off-screen.
Jurnee Smollett’s Heartfelt Welcome to the Family
Jurnee Smollett set the tone with a simple yet powerful comment: «Welcome to the family @jabariredd.» Her words, paired with a heart emoji, marked the first public family approval.
Jazz Smollett’s response was pure excitement:
«I was WAITINGGGGGG!!!!!!»
Complete with prayer hands, her all-caps joy mirrored fans’ reactions.
Taraji P. Henson and Other Empire Co-Stars Respond
Taraji P. Henson, who played Smollett’s on-screen mother, dropped three prayer-hand emojis—a nod to their Empire bond. Notably absent was Terrence Howard’s response, sparking whispers about unresolved tensions post-show.
| Reaction | Details |
|---|---|
| Jurnee Smollett | «Welcome to the family» with ❤️ |
| Jazz Smollett | All-caps celebration + 🙏 |
| Taraji P. Henson | Triple 🙏 emojis |
Beyond the spotlight, the couple’s $50k charity payment—resolving a civil lawsuit—drew praise. Fans rallied behind #JamalGetsHisHappyEnding, celebrating the rights advocate’s real-life fairy tale.
PEOPLE’s newsletter amplified the media attention, proving even amid past challenges, love steals the show.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Amid Past Challenges
Redemption arcs shine brightest when love takes center stage. After legal battles faced and a $50k charity settlement, this engagement marks a fresh start. The ring’s placement—on a hand once at the heart of controversy—speaks volumes.
Timing aligns with a career reboot, too. Shifting from acting to directing, the hopeful themes of The Lost Holliday mirror real-life resilience. Fans speculate a wedding infused with charity, celebrating life and love.
As media attention shifts from courtroom to celebration, one quote lingers: «What is tomorrow going to bring me?» For now, it’s pure happiness—and a dazzling new chapter.
FAQ
How did Jussie Smollett propose to Jabari Redd?
The actor popped the question in a heartfelt Instagram post, capturing the emotional moment frame by frame. The engagement ring was later revealed in a close-up shot.
What projects have the couple worked on together?
They starred in the film *The Lost Holliday*, where their on-screen chemistry eventually turned into a real-life romance.
How did their family and friends react to the engagement?
Jurnee Smollett welcomed Redd into the family with a touching message, while *Empire* co-stars like Taraji P. Henson shared their excitement online.
What challenges has the couple faced in their relationship?
Despite past media scrutiny, they’ve remained strong, focusing on love and mutual support while building their future together.
What are their shared passions outside of acting?
Both are vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and have worked with charities supporting marginalized communities.
