The criminal trial against actor Jussie Smollett (The Skinny, B-Boy Blues) continued this week with Smollett taking the stand in his own defense, via CNN. Following last week’s testimony of the prosecution’s star witness, Bola Osundairo, Smollett adamantly denied accusations that he allegedly orchestrated a 2019 attack on himself with Osundairo and his brother, Ola.
Monday, when defense attorney, Nenye Uche, asked Smollett if he ever discussed the alleged hoax attack with Bola, Smollett exclaimed “Never,” according to CNN. The case stems from a 2019 incident in which Smollett alleged he was attacked in the city of Chicago by two assailants. Smollett alleges he was beaten, called racist and anti-gay epitaphs, and had a noose wrapped around his neck. The alleged attack occurred weeks after Smollett had received hate mail on the set of Fox’s hit series, Empire. As police investigated the case, the two alleged suspects were revealed to be the Osundairo siblings. They told police the attack was allegedly directed by the Empire actor, and he allegedly paid the brothers $3500 for their cooperation.
Smollett’s testimony illustrated how he and the Osundairos initially met on the set of Empire, where Smollett portrayed the role of Jamal Lyon. The defense went on to paint a picture that the Osundairo brothers’ may have had ulterior motives for their relationship with Smollett from the very beginning.
In what accumulated to five hours on the stand, Smollett testified that he and Bola’s relationship began casually, with Bola allegedly supplying Smollett cocaine and marijuana, via CNN. These substances, according to Smollett, were then allegedly used on two separate occasions in which Smollett, who is gay, and Bola allegedly participated in sexual relations. Smollett alleged their first encounter happened at a bathhouse where they allegedly kissed and masturbated. Smollett also testified about an alleged second encounter in which Bola and he allegedly ordered a private room at the same bathhouse after an evening at a strip club with Bola’s brother. Last week Bola testified that there was no alleged sexual relationship between him and Smollett.
Today, Deadline reported Smollett continued on the stand, revealing he was also being allegedly extorted by the Osundario brothers for 2 million dollars. Smollett claims the brother’s legal representatives allegedly sent Smollett messaging that if he agreed to the payout, the brothers would refute their claim that the alleged attack in question was a hoax. The alleged blackmail was mentioned before during the police’s investigation, but this is the first time Smollett had affirmed the accusation.
According to CNN, Smollett has pleaded not guilty to six counts of disorderly misconduct, which if convicted, could deliver up to three years in prison. Smollett was originally charged with 16 felony counts in 2019, for allegedly lying to police about the attack. The charges were subsequently dropped by Cook County’s State Attorney, Kim Fox. Following backlash from police and other officials who alleged Smollett was receiving special treatment, a special prosecutor took over the case. New charges were filed against Smollett in February 2020.
CNN reports since the alleged incident, Smollett was let go from Empire and has not appeared on screen since. He recently released a feature film adaptation of the novel, B-Boy Blues, which he directed and produced.