Rafer Weigel is a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and television anchor with Fox 32 Chicago. He has been in the news industry for over two decades, covering some of the most significant stories in the city and beyond. In 2019, Weigel became the face of a story that shook the nation when he broke the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax story. Weigel's coverage of the incident was instrumental in exposing the truth behind Smollett's claims and bringing justice to the case.

Weigel's journalism career began in 1996 when he joined ABC7 News Chicago as a general assignment reporter. He worked his way up the ranks and eventually became a weekend anchor and reporter for the station. In 2006, he joined Fox 32 Chicago, where he has served as an anchor, reporter, and investigative journalist ever since.

In 2019, Weigel broke the news that Jussie Smollett, an actor on the hit show "Empire," had reported a hate crime against him. Smollett claimed that two white men attacked him in the middle of the night in downtown Chicago, yelling racial and homophobic slurs at him, pouring bleach on him, and putting a noose around his neck. The story gained national attention, with many celebrities and politicians expressing their support for Smollett.

However, Weigel's reporting soon revealed that the story was a hoax. He obtained surveillance footage that showed two Nigerian brothers, who were friends with Smollett, buying supplies that were allegedly used in the attack. Weigel also reported that Smollett had paid the brothers to stage the attack and that he had done so to further his career.

Weigel's reporting put him in the national spotlight, with media outlets across the country covering the story. He received praise for his investigative journalism, which exposed the truth behind the hate crime hoax. Weigel's reporting ultimately led to Smollett being charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. The case was a scandal that rocked the city of Chicago and the entertainment industry.

Weigel's reporting on the Smollett case was not the only time he has covered a scandal. In 2017, he reported on the "revenge porn" scandal involving former Congressman Joe Walsh. Weigel obtained court documents that showed Walsh's ex-wife accusing him of posting explicit photos and videos of her on social media. Weigel's coverage of the scandal shed light on the issue of revenge porn and its impact on victims.

Throughout his career, Weigel has received numerous accolades for his work in journalism. He has won three Emmy Awards for his reporting and has been recognized by the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Weigel's reporting on the Smollett case cemented his reputation as a journalist who is not afraid to ask tough questions and pursue the truth.

In conclusion, Rafer Weigel is a respected journalist and television anchor with Fox 32 Chicago. His reporting on the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax story was instrumental in exposing the truth behind the incident and bringing justice to the case. Weigel's career in journalism has been marked by his commitment to pursuing the truth, even in the face of controversy and scandal. His reporting on the Smollett case and other scandals has cemented his reputation as one of Chicago's most respected journalists.