Disgraced actor Jussie Smollett will finally learn his fate after being found guilty of faking a hate crime.
The former “Empire” star will be sentenced on March 10th after being found guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false reports, claiming that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019 in Chicago. He has maintained that he was attacked by two unknown men who placed a noose around his neck and yelled homophobic and racial slurs at him. Brothers Bola and Ola Osundairo testified that Smollett paid them and directed them to stage the attack.
In March 2019, charges against Smollett were dropped. The city of Chicago asked Smollett to reimburse them for its lengthy and costly investigation. However, a special investigator was assigned to examine why charges were dismissed. This probe led to new charges being filed in early 2020.
During the trial, Smollett told the jurors, “I’ve lost my livelihood,” following the smear campaign that ensued after he made the false claims. He was fired from his role on “Empire.” He has not been seen much on television or film since the incident.
In December, a jury found Smollett guilty, though the 39-year-old maintains his innocence. His attorneys have confirmed that they will appeal the verdict.
A disorderly conduct charge for a false crime report can carry a punishment of up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
