Jussie Smollett Verdict Reached: Guilty on Five of Six Felony Counts

Jussie Smollett was found guilty Thursday on five of the six counts of felony disorderly conduct charges after more than eight hours of deliberation.

The former “Empire” actor was found not guilty on the charge of lying about being a victim of aggravated battery. Smollett had some facial bruising after the incident. During the trial, prosecutors argued that medical evidence showed the “attackers” did not actually try to hurt him.

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Black Lives Matter Releases Statement Supporting Jussie Smollett During Hate Crime Hoax Trial

During former “Empire” star Jussie Smollett’s testimony in his own defense, Black Lives Matter (BLM) released a statement supporting the actor, who stands accused of faking a hate crime against himself.

“In our commitment to abolition, we can never believe police, especially the Chicago Police Department (CPD) over Jussie Smollett, a Black man who has been courageously present, visible, and vocal in the struggle for Black freedom. While policing at-large is an irredeemable institution, CPD is notorious for its long and deep history of corruption, racism, and brutality,” BLM said.

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Minnesota State Rep Introduces Bill to Increase Criminal Penalties for Hate Crime Hoaxes

A Republican lawmaker plans to introduce legislation in the Minnesota House to increase the criminal penalties for hate-crime hoaxes in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding “Empire” star Jussie Smollett. Rep. Nick Zerwas’ (R-Elk River) proposed bill would elevate the false reporting of a hate crime to a gross misdemeanor…

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Chicago Police Say ‘Empire’ Actor Refuses to Turn Over Phone Records During Alleged ‘MAGA’ Attack

by Neetu Chandak   The Chicago Police Department (CPD) said “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett and his music manager are not handing over phone records of a conversation that occurred Tuesday morning during an alleged attack. “Update on the ‘Empire’ Smollett case: The victim and his manager reported that they were…

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