Jussie Smollett is pounding the promotional pavement in support of his new movie, ‘The Lost Holliday.’

And while the actor is looking to move beyond his highly-publicized dramas following his conviction for reporting a “hoax attack,” questions around the matter and its effect on professional relationships persist.

TMZ caught up with the former ‘Empire’ star and quizzed him on remarks made by Lee Daniels.

As reported, the creative force deemed Smollett “was a son” to me but insisted the legal melée was “confusing” and that he still didn’t know what to believe.

Head below to see what Smollett had to say in response.

Opening up, the 42-year-old said:

“Lee [Daniels] is somebody that I love, he gave me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. At the same time, it’s a relationship that’s important to me, so I don’t feel the need to mediate that in the public. Lee is a bit more of an open book [laughs], but I love him so much – and he knows that and I know that he loves me. We’re always going to be good.”

Watch the clip…

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