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Queen Latifah supports Jussie Smollett until there’s ‘definitive proof’ he lied

The actress calls the ‘Empire’ star a ‘cool,’ ‘kind’ person

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Queen Latifah. (Screenshot via Yahoo News)

Queen Latifah is standing by Jussie Smollett until she sees “definitive proof” he lied.

During an appearance on the Yahoo News series, “Through Her Eyes,” host Zainab Salbi asked Latifah for her thoughts on Smollett, who is accused of allegedly staging a hate crime.

“Until somebody can show me some proof otherwise, I’m going with him,” Latifah says.“Cause the guy I’ve seen has always seen has always been someone who cares about people, who cares about others, and who’s very kind and who’s always been cool and sweet. And that’s just the guy I know. So until I can see some definitive proof — which I haven’t seen yet — then, you know, I gotta go with him until I see otherwise.”

Salbi asks if the case should be looked at from “a racial justice lens” and Latifah replies that it should.

“This whole thing started off from him allegedly being attacked by some guys who appeared to be white guys wearing a hat that said “Make America Great Again,” yelled epithets at him, and said, This is MAGA country,” Latifah says. “The whole thing started off being like that. So how could you not take that into account?”

As for Smollett’s arrest and charge for filing a false police report, Latifah says she “doesn’t even know what to make of it.”

“Everything that’s happened since then… I don’t even know what to make of it,” Latifah continued. “All I know is I hope everything works out in the end and everybody basically comes out unscathed.”

Watch below.

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PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

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A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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