Jussie Smollett.Photo: Rob Kim/Getty
FormerEmpireactorJussie Smolletthas stepped into the Chicago courtroom of Judge James Linn for the start of his criminal trial, PEOPLE confirms.
Court officials confirm Smollett, 39, arrived at the courthouse shortly before 9:30 a.m.
The Chicago Tribunereportsthat Smollett — dressed in a dark suit and a dark face mask — walked into the courtroom with two supporters flanking him and holding on to both of his arms.
Smollett is charged with six counts of disorderly conduct on suspicion of making false reports to investigators in 2019 after telling policehe was the victimof a racist and homophobic attack.
His lawyer has entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
Smollett, an openly gay Black actor, was originallyindicted in March 2019 with 16 counts of disorderly conductforallegedly filing a false reportclaiming thattwo men attacked himon Jan. 29, 2019. Those charges were unexpectedly dropped later that same month.
“After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case,” the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
During the alleged attack, Smollett claimed the black-clad, masked men spewed racist and homophobic slurs at him.
Smollett maintains his innocence, and said that he has told police nothing but the truth.
Two brothers —Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo— came forward following the attack, alleging that Smollett paid them $3,500 to stage the 45-second attack.
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Smollett had portrayed musician Jamal Lyon in the series.
Smollett’s trial is expected to last one week.
source: people.com
