Jussie Smollett’s legal team is calling for his immediate release, following his recent jail sentencing.
The actor’s lawyers reportedly filed documents requesting Smollett’s release due to “vicious and violent threats” being made to him and his family.
Lawyers reportedly cited the harassment Smollett has received by stating that they “no doubt reflects the hatred and wish for physical harm toward Smollett, which he may experience during incarceration.”
A member of Smollett’s family also spoke out on a disturbing phone call they received, in which the caller detailed sexual assault that the former “Empire” star would be subjected to while incarcerated.
On March 10, Smollett was sentenced on to 150 days in jail for disorderly conduct after his infamous Chicago hate crime accusation from a couple of years prior. In January 2019, Smollett reported to police that he was attacked by a racist duo wearing “MAGA” hats while walking down the street one early morning in Chicago. Smollett told the Chicago Police Department that his attackers hung a noose around his neck, poured a liquid he believed to be bleach, and hurled racial and homophobic epithets at the actor.
The details of Smollett’s attack would prove more interesting than the attack itself as many began to question to validity of his story, including the Chicago police. The investigation into Smollett’s claims led police to the conclusion that he staged the attack, ultimately faking his hate crime report.
Despite his sentencing and his declaration in court that he was “not suicidal”, should anything happen to him in jail, Smollett continues to maintain his innocence.
Actresses Taraji P. Henson and Smollett’s sister Jurnee have spoken out in support of his release.
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