Revealing interview with Bustle ahead of the highly anticipated release of “UnPrisoned” season two on July 17, Kerry Washington discussed the evolving perceptions of felons, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Washington, renowned for her powerful portrayals and activism, reflected on how this high-profile case has reshaped public opinion and her views on the justice system. “Everything has changed in terms of how I feel about the so-called justice system,” she candidly expressed to Bustle. This statement underscores a significant shift in Washington’s perspective and potentially in the broader societal understanding of justice and the treatment of individuals with criminal records.
During Trump’s civil fraud trial, which he attended at the New York Supreme Court, the disparities in the justice system were brought into sharp focus. According to Fox News on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, “UnPrisoned,” which delves into the complexities of reentry into society after incarceration, gains new layers of relevance in this context. The series, starring Washington, highlights the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.
Her insights during the interview suggest a heightened awareness and critical examination of the justice system’s inequities, particularly regarding the disparate treatment of high-profile figures versus ordinary citizens. Trump’s conviction has sparked widespread debate, highlighting discrepancies within the justice system where power and privilege often shield individuals from accountability.

Washington’s reflections resonate deeply, echoing a growing sentiment that justice is not administered equally and that the system is fraught with biases. In her conversation with Bustle, Washington also touched upon the potential ripple effects of such a high-profile conviction. It challenges the public to reconsider preconceived notions about felons and the justice system’s role in rehabilitation versus punishment. By portraying these themes in “UnPrisoned,” Washington hopes to foster greater empathy and understanding for those who have been through the prison system.
As audiences prepare for the new season of “UnPrisoned,” Washington’s comments add a poignant dimension to the series. Her critique of the justice system, influenced by current events, aligns with the show’s mission to humanize and bring attention to the struggles of the formerly incarcerated. This perspective not only enriches the narrative of “UnPrisoned” but also contributes to the broader discourse on justice reform and societal perceptions of criminality.
Kerry Washington’s interview with Bustle ahead of “UnPrisoned” season two highlights a crucial moment of reflection and critique, influenced by the conviction of a former president.
