Love is in the air — and Jussie Smollett is officially off the market!
On Friday, June 20, the former Empire star melted hearts across the internet when he revealed that he proposed to his boyfriend, actor Jabari Redd — and he said yes! 💍
“I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé… He said YES. 💍,” Smollett captioned a swoon-worthy Instagram carousel, just one day before turning 43 on June 21.
The slideshow told a picture-perfect love story: tucked away on a quiet street near a restaurant, Smollett got down on one knee while Redd stood stunned — and beaming. A follow-up photo captured Redd’s priceless reaction as he covered his face in pure joy. In the next frame, Smollett slipped the ring onto his new fiancé’s finger before the two embraced in a heartfelt hug.
But the celebration didn’t stop there. The last few snaps featured champagne toasts, laughter, and a final close-up of the stunning ring — a symbol of new beginnings and next chapters.
Fans might recognize Jabari Redd from Smollett’s 2024 directorial project B-Boy Blues: The Wedding, where the pair portrayed lovers Damien and Mitchell. Tragically, Damien (played by Redd) dies in the film — but clearly, love lives on in real life. The film also starred Vivica A. Fox as Damien’s estranged mother and tackled grief, healing, and hope.
In a past interview with PEOPLE, Smollett said: “It’s such a hopeful film… it’s about what you do with what life gives you. Tomorrow can bring something beautiful.”
And clearly, it has. 💫
Congratulations to the happy couple! 🎉 #JussieSmollett #JabariRedd #Engaged #BlackLove #EmpireStar #BboyBlues #LoveWins #CelebrityProposal
