Jussie Smollett Engaged to Boyfriend Jabari Redd: ‚He Said YES‘

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.

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.

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.

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.