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In 2019, Jussie Smollett, known for his role in Empire, claimed to have been a victim of a hate crime that was racially and sexually motivated. However, as the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Smollett had staged the attack himself. In December, Smollett was found guilty by a jury on several charges, including providing false information to the police, and was sentenced to 150 days in jail, with the possibility of early release for good behavior after 75 days. He commenced his sentence recently.
Merely after spending five days in prison, Smollett has been granted temporary release. His legal team successfully argued before an appeals court that he should await the outcome of his appeal outside of jail. As part of this arrangement, Smollett is required to put up a $150,000 bond, which he will forfeit if he fails to appear for any court proceedings.
BREAKING: Convicted actor Jussie Smollett has been ordered released from jail pending appeal of his 150-day sentence imposed last week for staging a hoax hate crime on himself. https://t.co/356VqGEb8m
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) March 16, 2022
One of the key arguments put forth by Smollett’s legal team in support of his appeal and temporary release is the concern for his safety in Cook County Jail, where they claim he faces potential physical harm from other inmates. While the court concurred with this assessment, the special prosecutor’s office disagreed, dismissing it as inaccurate.
