Former “Empire” star Jussie Smollett is currently on trial, facing accusations that he staged his own racist attack on the streets of Chicago.
The opening day of Jussie Smollett’s trial—in which he stands accused of staging his own alleged racist and homophobic attack—may have already sown the seeds for a guilty verdict against the actor, according to a defense attorney. Former Empire star Smollett,39, had alleged that he was attacked on the streets of Chicago on January 29, 2019, by two supporters of former President Donald Trump, who he alleged tied a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him. His claims were challenged by brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who alleged that the actor and singer had paid them $3,500 to stage the attack. Smollett was subsequently arrested on charges of lying to police officers, before the charges were dropped in March 2019. Following an investigation into why the charges were dropped, Smollett was charged in 2020 with disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony that could result in up to three years in prison. Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout.
