SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Supreme Court is set to hear Jussie Smollett’s case on Tuesday.
The former “Empire” actor was convicted of falsely reporting a hate crime against him in Chicago in 2019. He was found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for setting up the attack, which he claimed two men assaulted him on a Chicago street.
Smollett, who is black and gay, said the attackers shouted slurs at him before putting a noose around his neck.
Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid two men $3500 to carry out the attack. He knew the men from the set of the show “Empire.”
Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and ordered to pay more than $130,000 in restitution.
So far, he has served six days of that sentence.
The conviction was upheld by a state appellet court in December.
Smollett’s lawyers argue the conviction contradicts a plea deal the actor made with the Cook County state’s attorney.
