Rafer Weigel is a well-known journalist and television anchor, with a long and distinguished career in the news industry. He has worked for several major networks, including ABC, NBC, and Fox, and has won three Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting and investigative journalism. However, it was his work at Fox 32 Chicago that brought him national attention, particularly his coverage of the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax story in 2019.



The Jussie Smollett case was a major news story that captured the attention of people around the world. Smollett, an actor on the hit TV show "Empire," claimed that he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago, where he was allegedly attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs and placed a noose around his neck. The story made headlines, and many people expressed outrage and support for Smollett.

However, as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that there were many inconsistencies in Smollett's story, and that he may have staged the attack himself. Rafer Weigel was one of the journalists who covered the story from the beginning, and he was instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the hoax.

Weigel's reporting was meticulous and thorough, and he was one of the first journalists to raise questions about the veracity of Smollett's claims. He conducted interviews with sources close to the investigation, and he uncovered evidence that suggested that Smollett had paid two men to stage the attack. Weigel's reporting ultimately led to Smollett being charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

While Weigel's reporting was praised by many for its accuracy and depth, it also sparked controversy and backlash. Some accused Weigel of being biased against Smollett, or of being too aggressive in his reporting. Others criticized Fox 32 Chicago for giving too much attention to the story, or for exploiting it for ratings.

Despite the criticism, Weigel remained steadfast in his reporting, and he continued to cover the story even as it became increasingly contentious. He ultimately proved himself to be a skilled and dedicated journalist, one who was not afraid to tackle difficult and controversial stories.

However, the Jussie Smollett case was not the only scandal that Weigel has been involved in. In 2017, he was accused of revenge porn by his ex-girlfriend, who claimed that he had shared explicit photos of her online without her consent. Weigel denied the allegations, and the case was eventually settled out of court.

Despite these challenges, Rafer Weigel remains a respected and accomplished journalist, one who has made a significant contribution to the field of investigative journalism. His work on the Jussie Smollett case demonstrated his commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how difficult or controversial it may be.

In conclusion, Rafer Weigel is a talented and dedicated journalist who has made a significant impact in the news industry. His reporting on the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax story in 2019 was instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the incident, and it showcased his skills as an investigative journalist. While his work has not been without controversy or scandal, Weigel remains a respected and valued member of the journalism community, and his contributions will no doubt continue to be recognized for years to come.