Jury deliberations begin in Jussie Smollett’s trial for allegedly orchestrating and reporting a staged hate crime
CHICAGO — Jury deliberations have begun in the trial of Jussie Smollett, the former “Empire” actor accused of arranging a phony hate crime attack on himself in downtown Chicago nearly three years ago.
After a weeklong trial and about five hours of closing arguments, the six-man, six-woman jury began deliberating the hot-button case at about 2:45 p.m. after being instructed on the law by Judge James Linn.
Linn, who is known for keeping the trial going after hours, warned jurors previously that he would let their discussions continue as long as they need to.
Smollett, 39, faces six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly giving false information to Chicago police about the alleged racial and homophobic attack on a frigid night in January 2019.
In his closing argument earlier Wednesday, Smollett’s attorney said the prosecution’s case was riddled with “doubts” and built on the testimony of two brothers who are criminals and “certified liars.”
“The entire prosecution case was built like a house of cards,” attorney Nenye Uche told jurors at the outset of his remarks. “And we all know what happens to a house of cards when you apply a little pressure. It crumbles.”
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days