Reactions of the reversal of Jussie Smollett's conviction are divided around miscarried justice, race, and accountability. The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on five counts of felony disorderly conduct filing false police reports. The case was over a 2019 hoax hate crime Smollett committed in which he staged an attack by alleged MAGA supporters who he claimed beat him up and put a noose around his neck. It was later revealed that he fabricated the whole thing and paid two men to stage the imaginary beatdown. After being convicted for his hoax, the reversal was due to legal technicalities involving his original prosecution.

The court found issues with procedural fairness and conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the involvement of the special prosecutor. This raises questions about the Illinois justice system and potential corruption in Smollett’s favor.

Did Obama improperly intervene to convince the Illinois Supreme Court to overturn the convictions against Jussie Smollett? A fair question especially since Michelle Obama was previously successful in getting Kim Foxx to drop those same charges. Equal protection under the law does…

— Rod Blagojevich (@realBlagojevich) November 21, 2024

Sentiment Patterns

Democrats

• Empathy for Smollett and marginalized individuals: 35%
• Outrage at perceived injustice and institutional failure: 30%
• Political framing and opposition to Republican exploitation: 25%
• Calls for accountability and systemic change: 10%

General Audience

• Outrage at Smollett and the justice system: 65%
• Empathy for Smollett: 20%
• Mixed or neutral reactions: 15%

Democratic Perspectives

Among Democrats, 35% express empathy for Smollett, framing him as symbolic of struggles against systemic racism and injustice. This narrative often ties his case to identity politics, including his race and LGBTQ+ status. Many commenters view Smollett as representing marginalized communities being mistreated by a flawed justice system. Some even suggest the overturned conviction exonerates Smollett.

General Audience

Only 20% of the overall commentary about Smollett expresses empathy. While some accept Smollett as a victim of systemic pressures, the majority sentiment criticizes him for perpetrating a hoax hate crime and perpetuating damaging racial stereotypes. Overall, Americans are more skeptical and critical, saying Smollett escaped justice on a technicality.

Jussie Smollett's hate crime hoax conviction was overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court...

So apparently it's ok to lie about being attacked by Trump supporters and waste thousands of dollars of police time in Chicago.

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) November 21, 2024

Political Framing

Democrats frame the case as a political maneuver, with 25% criticizing Republicans for exploiting Smollett’s situation to stoke racial and social divisions. They voice overall distrust of conservative motives in discussions around justice and equity.

More general discussion is less focused on political framing and more evenly split along partisan lines. Criticism of the justice system centers on failures of accountability rather than perceived political exploitation. Many suspect corrupt motives among those involved, leading to a failure of justice.

Outrage and Accountability

Around 30% of Democrats express outrage over systemic failures rather than Smollett himself. They want reform and to address structural inequities in the justice system, positioning Smollett’s case as a symptom of larger systemic issues.

Outside of Democratic circles, outrage dominates reactions. 65% of comments criticize Smollett for undermining public trust. They portray him as typical of progressive elites with a victimhood complex. They also blame cases like Smollett’s for a perceived decline in law enforcement integrity and accountability.

Race and Justice

Race is a central theme for Democrats, with discussions frequently critiquing systemic racism in the justice system. Smollett’s case is framed as part of a historical pattern of inequities, underscoring the need for systemic change. This narrative connects Smollett’s reversal to larger movements advocating for racial and social justice.

While race also features prominently in the general discourse, the narrative is critical of Smollett. Many commenters argue his actions harm genuine efforts to address racial injustice, framing his case as counterproductive to progress.

Media Criticism

Democrats are less critical of the media’s role in amplifying Smollett’s hoax and painting him as sympathetic. This group focuses on race and injustice over how the case is portrayed in mainstream media.

The general audience criticizes media sensationalism, suggesting coverage of Smollett’s hoax exacerbates division and advances partisan agendas. This distrust reflects broader concerns about the role of the media in influencing public discourse.

After Rep. Matt Gaetz suddenly withdrew his name from nomination for Attorney General, president-elect Trump named former Florida AG Pam Bondi as his replacement. Many are speculating that Gaetz’s controversial image in Congress would have prevented him from being confirmed. Republicans are more supportive of Bondi, but there is still pushback from those who object to a partisan nomination.

Matt Gaetz

• 40% of voters criticize his nomination and withdrawal, citing lack of transparency and ethical concerns.
• 35% defend Gaetz, framing allegations as politically motivated attacks.
• 25% are neutral or focused on systemic GOP issues.

Pam Bondi

• 45% of all voters praise her competence and alignment with conservative values.
• 40% are concerned about her partisanship and potential to polarize the justice system.
• 15% focus on frustrations with the political climate rather than on Bondi herself.

While Bondi likely faces fewer concerns over qualifications and ethics, there is still significant pushback among some segments of the political class. Many in the GOP hope Bondi will be a candidate with experience while still appealing to conservatives and avoiding the controversies Gaetz faced.

Gaetz’s Withdrawal

Gaetz’s withdrawal followed growing pressure and scrutiny over the House Ethics Committee’s decision not to release its findings. While Gaetz argued his withdrawal was to avoid distracting from the Trump-Vance transition, public reactions speculate about other reasons.

Voter Reactions

• There are speculations that Gaetz resigned from his House seat and from the AG nomination to avoid deeper investigations into his past behavior.
• Many voters want transparency, viewing the Ethics Committee withholding its report as emblematic of broader accountability issues in politics.
• Defenders describe Gaetz as a victim of politically motivated attacks, citing the lack of formal DoJ charges as foiling accusations.
• Others are simply fatigued with political scandals, emphasizing systemic reform over individual controversies.

Bondi’s Nomination

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is a seasoned prosecutor, with many viewing her as a more acceptable alternative to Gaetz. Her loyalty to Trump during his impeachment bolsters her standing with the MAGA and GOP base.

Voter Reactions

• Most conservatives see Bondi as a strong, capable leader with the legal expertise to navigate a federal position. Her alignment with Trump is viewed as an asset.
• Critics worry Bondi’s partisan history could deepen divisions in the DoJ. Democrats and RINOs have concerns over her role in high-profile, ideologically charged cases.
• Some focus on broader frustrations with partisan politics and media narratives around Trump's nominations rather than Bondi's fitness for an appointment.

Supporters say Bondi will be a positive alternative, bringing competence and reliability. Her experience minimizes risks of personal scandal while reinforcing the party’s focus on justice and conservative values. Many are more optimistic about her potential to be successfully confirmed compared to Gaetz.

Implications for Trump’s Cabinet

Public reactions to Gaetz and Bondi underscore the tension between populist MAGA energy and establishment figures. While Bondi is more broadly acceptable cabinet appointment choice, some in the MAGA core lament Gaetz’s personal and ethical challenges, saying he would have been the perfect anti-establishment choice. This group acknowledges that Gaetz has alienated many in both chambers of Congress. This, they say, makes it difficult for him to be confirmed, regardless of the outcomes of allegations against him.

MAGA Requirements

• Transparency remains a critical issue for voters across the board. People want accountability for politicians, though for various reasons among the anti-establishment and the political class.
• Bondi’s nomination offers the GOP an opportunity to project competence and law-and-order principles, appealing to a wider group of voters.
• Some MAGA voters insist Gaetz’s nomination was a “4D chess” move by Trump to ascertain loyalty among the political class.

LeBron James informed the world of his intent to quit social media for an indefinite period of time.

And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care ✌🏾👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 20, 2024

Prior to his goodbye tweet, James shared several quotes suggesting he dislikes social media and sports commentary due to:

• Overwhelming hate and negativity
• Discourse destroying the unifying nature of sports
• Social media clickbait
• Large platforms failing their moderation responsibilities

Given James’s history of advocating his personal worldview and moral standards—particularly against Trump and MAGA—many are pointing out the hypocrisy in his reasons. Others say it’s unnecessary to announce a social media break because “no one cares” and it’s egotistical to think people would.

LeBron James won't say a bad word about China, but has no problem spreading GROSS lies about Donald Trump being a racist.

He should be embarrassed and ashamed. pic.twitter.com/9FJaFXIQ6u

— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) November 1, 2024

Media Negativity

LeBron James stepped away from social media in part because of critiques of modern sports media. He and others voice frustration with the prevalence of hate and negativity, particularly in the sports world, which they believe should unify rather than divide. This sentiment resonates widely, as many agree sports coverage often prioritizes sensationalism and divisive narratives over highlighting the unifying power of athletic competition.

Toxicity and Division

Some see James’s exit as a personal stand against the toxicity of online platforms, which are increasingly dominated by polarizing commentary. For supporters, his decision represents a healthy rejection of the negativity that has become pervasive in digital spaces. Others, however, question whether stepping away entirely is an abdication of responsibility, particularly for someone with his influence and platform.

Support vs. Criticism

Reactions to James are mixed. Supporters admire that he is prioritizing mental health and positive and constructive discourse. They see his decision as principled and forward-thinking.

Critics say by leaving social media, he is staying quiet instead of advocating for meaningful change. Many also point out James’s unwillingness to speak out against China, saying NBA deals and advertising from Chinese funding is more important to him than speaking out against communism.

Some also criticize James for his connections to P Diddy. People point out that several prominent figures connected to Diddy deleted their social media after his arrest. A few people even point out that Ellen DeGeneres moved out of the U.S. indefinitely, highlighting her ties to Diddy as well.

LeCon James joins the ranks of goofy NBA players who won’t call out Communist China.

We get it, LeBron. America has freedom of speech. China doesn’t. So you only do BS, fake corporate activism that China allows.

Communism comes from the left.
pic.twitter.com/Gxuk7Ewpf6

— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) October 15, 2019

Cultural Responsibility of Celebrities

James is reigniting debates about the cultural and moral responsibilities of public figures. As someone who has openly championed his progressive liberal worldview, his retreat raises questions about how figures like him balance their personal well-being with their perceived duty to engage with and influence public discourse.

Emotional and Linguistic Nuances

Those who support James express validation, citing their own struggles with the negativity of social media and using James as an affirmation of their concerns. Critics use speculative language, questioning his motives or the broader consequences of his absence. "Us vs. them" rhetoric is prominent, reflecting the divisive nature of public discourse itself. Across all responses, there is a shared sense of frustration with the toxic climate of online engagement.

Broader Implications

LeBron James’s decision to quit social media is becoming more typical in digital culture. His critique of media negativity and clickbait is shared by those who want positive, unifying online experiences.

James’s choice mirrors a growing public disillusionment with the divisiveness of online platforms, sparking conversations about the mental health toll on public figures. However, there are some on the right who point to left leaning and progressive figures leaving X as a sign they cannot stand anyone having a different viewpoint.

LeBron James weighs in on Donald Trump. 💯

pic.twitter.com/D21Kx5jlQm

— NBA SKITS (@NBA_Skits) October 12, 2016