Yes and one day soon crazed murderers will be off-limits in Hollywood movies because of this. The poor serial killer, we can't portray him as evil anymore! They are actually the good guys these days (Dexter, Tony Soprano...). Society will be the bad guy for creating them.
Smollett definitely has issues. Should I feel sorry for him? Everyone has problems. We really have created a society of victims.
People, even the news media are now more empowered than ever to jump to conclusions in regards to these hate-crime incidents. I wonder when that started?
To anyone:
Does what you see in the news "corroborate" what you see in your day to day lives? People say the sky is falling, I just don't see it. Most people I meet are kind. No arguments in McDonalds or coffee shops. No fights over BBQs at the park.
People are just living their lives far as I can tell. Oh there are problems here and there I'm sure, but I see no crisis in this country. It's only gotten better over the years. Turn off your TV and enjoy.