Jussie Smollett has been found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to police that he was a victim of a hate crime in January 2019. The decision was made by a Chicago jury, consisting of six men and six women. There are five charges against him in total, one of them is lying to the police. According to Deadline, Smollett “has yet to be sentenced for being found guilty today”, and his defense team is looking for an appeal.
Smollett is widely known for his acting in Empire, where he performed the character, Jamal Lyon. The Fox series earned him several nominations including the BET Awards and the Teen Choice Awards. He also appeared in films such as the Alien prequel, Prometheus.
On January 29, 2019, Smollett claimed he was the victim of an alleged assault in the early hours by two men chanting “MAGA Country”. He reported to the police that the two men allegedly used their hands, feet, and teeth as weapons in the assault, even allegedly pouring “unknown liquid” on him. He was admitted to the hospital but was released shortly since he did not encounter serious injury. Smollett then stated that his criticism of the Trump administration allegedly drew the attacks on him.
According to CNN, Smollett may face “a disorderly conduct charge for a false crime report which is a Class 4 felony and punishable by up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine”. Also, civic authorities are intending to seek the an around $130,000 settlement they’ve estimated Smollett cost the Windy City. However, while awaiting sentencing over the coming weeks and perhaps months, Smollett will not be taken into custody right away.
Smollett and his legal team are now working on an appeal. “The verdict is inconsistent,” said defense lawyer Nenye Uche. “You can’t say Jussie is lying and say Jussie is not lying for the same exact incidents.” According to Uche, they are confident that this case will be won on appeal, although this is not the route they wanted. Smollett himself is disappointed but is hopeful to get a “fair result” in appellate court.
As for now, no sentencing date was set, and the involved parties will be back in court on January 27, 2022, for post-trial motions.