AceShowbiz - Jussie Smollett has opened up about the infamous hate crime hoax scandal that entangled him in 2019. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the former "Empire" star shared his experiences from the darkest chapter of his life.

Smollett was arrested in 2019 on charges of disorderly conduct and falsifying a police report. He alleged a racist and homophobic attack, but subsequent investigations revealed that he orchestrated the incident with the help of the Osundairo brothers.

During the ensuing drama, Smollett experienced a "dark day" when the gravity of the situation dawned on him. He was unable to reconcile his actions with the perceptions of others. To this day, he maintains his innocence.

Despite the severe legal consequences, including a 150-day jail sentence and felony probation, Smollett remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the universe will ultimately vindicate him and that his story will serve as a source of inspiration for his future child.

"I know that the world, one day, and it might be long after I'm gone, who knows, but one day the world is going to fix this," Smollett said. "I can't wait for that to happen because I have a life to live."

Smollett recently premiered his self-directed film, "The Lost Holliday", as he attempts to move forward from his legal troubles. He hopes to create a world that is more just and equitable.

"I want my future kid to look at me and be like, 'Yo, he did that. He got through things, and he created a world, or attempted to create a world and leave it just a tiny bit, or a lot of it, better than it was when he found it," Smollett said. "I just really want my kid to like me and be proud of me. I'm doing all of this stuff for my kid, for one day them to read this conversation and just be like, 'Oh, he said that he was doing this for us. And he did.' "