Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Applauds Jussie Smollett’s Sentencing

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot praises the court’s decision to send Jussie Smollett away to jail for 150 days. Recently, she slammed the former “Empire” star for his staged hate crime and the extra costs the City of Chicago had to cover. 

Lightfoot says, “The criminal conviction of Jussie Smollett by a jury of his peers and today’s sentencing should send a clear message to everyone in the City of Chicago that false claims and allegations will not be tolerated.” 

Smollett was sentenced Thursday to 150 days in prison, 30 months of probation, and also some heavy fees. He must pay Chicago $120,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine. 

Lightfoot continues, “The malicious and wholly fabricated claim made by Mr. Smollett resulted in over 1500 hours of police work that cost the City over $130,000 in police overtime.” 

“The City feels vindicated in today’s ruling that he is being held accountable and that we will appropriately receive restitution for his actions.”

NEW: Statement from @chicagosmayor:

"The criminal conviction of Jussie Smollett by a jury of his peers and today’s sentencing should send a clear message to everyone in the City of Chicago that false claims and allegations will not be tolerated." pic.twitter.com/Kba4XUThC3

— Ryan Johnson (@Ryan_Johnson) March 11, 2022

Smollett spoke after his sentence that is effective immediately. He claimed, “I am innocent and not suicidal.”