(LibertySociety.com) – In 2019, actor Jussie Smollett allegedly paid two men to attack him so he could claim to be the victim of a hate crime. Although he denies the allegations and insists the anti-gay and racist attack was legitimate, he’s standing trial for lying to the police and staging the incident. Closing arguments started on December 8, and a jury deliberation will follow to determine if Smollett was behind the stunt.
Justice correspondent Candace Kelley points out some inconsistencies in the actor’s testimony that may hurt his defense. These include private Instagram messages around the time of the supposed attack and inaccurate descriptions of the accused Osundairo brothers.
Closing arguments begin today in Jussie Smollett's trial. Justice correspondent @candacekelley shares her legal insight into Smollett's testimony. #StartYourDay pic.twitter.com/qJVh6yogMF
— Black News Channel (@BNCNews) December 8, 2021
The perpetrators allegedly yelled racial and homophobic slurs at Smollett, hit him, placed a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him near his home nearly three years ago in Chicago. They deny the allegations and said the actor staged the whole thing.
Smollett denied paying the attackers $3,500 to carry out a fake attack. He said the money was for workout and meal plans to tone up for a music video.
Smollett faces six felony counts of lying to police and up to three years in prison. Experts believe he’ll receive probation and community service in lieu of a jail sentence if convicted.
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