At 38, Jurnee Smollett Finally Reveals Why She Ended Her Marriage to Josiah Bell

March 2020 was a challenging time for many, but for actress Jurnee Smollett, it marked a particularly painful turning point in her personal life: the end of her nearly decade-long marriage to musician Josiah Bell.

The news came as a shock to fans, as the couple had always appeared to have a strong, loving relationship—something rare in Hollywood. Jurnee once shared that their bond was built on friendship, saying, “We had this really great foundation because we were best friends before we even started dating.”

Despite their seemingly solid foundation, the divorce has proven difficult. According to court records, the process has dragged on so long that a Los Angeles judge warned the case could be dismissed if a settlement wasn’t reached soon.

The couple, who share a young son named Hunter, now face the added complexity of co-parenting during a tumultuous period.

The reasons behind their split remain private, but the emotional strain is evident. Jurnee filed for divorce just days after her brother, Jussie Smollett, reappeared on social media following his own highly publicized legal troubles.

The Smollett family has remained united, with Jurnee continuing to support her brother through his court battles and public scrutiny. She’s spoken about how heartbreaking it has been to watch her family endure such public challenges, stating, “If I didn’t have my family, if I didn’t have my mom and my siblings, I don’t know where I’d be.”

In addition to her divorce and family struggles, Jurnee stepped down from the board of Time’s Up—a group advocating for victims of workplace harassment—amid organizational changes connected to the controversy surrounding former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Although Jurnee was not accused of any wrongdoing, the leadership shake-up marked yet another stressful event in her year.

Despite these personal obstacles, Jurnee has remained focused on her career and her role as a single working mother. In an interview with The New York Times, she described motherhood as both her greatest blessing and biggest challenge, expressing gratitude that her work allows her to bring her son with her on set.

Professionally, Jurnee continues to thrive. She’s set to reprise her role as Black Canary, a character she first played in “Birds of Prey,” and has several new film projects in development.

Her performance in “Lovecraft Country” earned her critical acclaim and an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood.

Jurnee’s journey began as a child actor, but thanks to her mother’s guidance, she avoided the pitfalls of early fame. Instead of pursuing a Disney Channel career, her mother prioritized meaningful roles and philanthropy.

Jurnee started volunteering at age 12, teaching sex education in Los Angeles schools and using her platform to make a difference.

Now, as she navigates single motherhood, a high-profile divorce, and ongoing support for her family, Jurnee Smollett stands as a testament to resilience. While her marriage to Josiah Bell has ended, her dedication to her son, her craft, and her values remains unwavering.