• The Project 21 Black Leadership Network has asked that the NAACP rescind Jussie Smollett’s Image Award nomination.
  • The “Empire” star allegedly staged a hate crime.
  • So far, the NAACP hasn’t commented on the situation.

Now that Jussie Smollett is facing felony charges for allegedly filing a false police report in conjunction with a staged hated crime, some don’t think he’s worthy to be considered for an NAACP Image Award. Project 21 – a prominent Black leadership network – wants the organization to rescind his nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category.

Co-Chairperson Council Nedd II said that after the “Empire” star wasted police time and stoked racial tensions nationwide, he doesn’t deserve to be honored. “Everyone has a reason to be disappointed with Jussie Smollett right now,” he said in a statement. “These accumulated reasons justify the NAACP taking swift and appropriate action to remove him from consideration for its Image Award.” It should be noted that the nomination came before the staged hate crime.

So far, the NAACP hasn’t commented on the situation. The 50th annual Image Awards are scheduled for March 30th.

Source: Project 21