Jussie Smollett released from jail pending appeal

Former Empire actor Jussie Smollett has been released from jail, seven days into a 150-day sentence for faking a hate crime.

In a 2-1 ruling, the justices ordered Smollett released pending the appeal of his conviction, on the condition that he post a $150,000 bond. They did not explain their ruling.

Smollett’s attorney warned her client was the subject of threats and could face physical harm, likely to be kept in solitary confinement, which could damage his mental health.

However Smollett was being held in a psych ward and was being monitored by security cameras and an officer, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said.

Smollett was sentenced to serve five months after being convicted at trial in December of five counts of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony. Smollett was found guilty of staging a hate attack, in which he claimed to have been assaulted by two men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him and put a noose around his neck in January 2019.

With good behaviour he could have been released in as little as 75 days.

Source: Variety