Jussie Smollett, 39, has been sentenced by a judge in Chicago to 150 days in jail. He was found guilty in December on five charges of felony disorderly conduct after making false reports about a hoax hate-crime attack in January 2019.
On top of the jail time, the out, gay actor was also sentenced to 30 months of probation and to pay $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago and $25,000 in fines (the maximum allowable for these particular offenses).
Related: The Jussie Smollett saga just took yet another strange turn
Jurors at his trial heard how Smollett had colluded with two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, to stage the attack. The brothers said he paid them $3,500. Smollett claimed the attackers yelled homophobic and racist slurs at him, doused him in a chemical bleach-like solution, and put a noose around his neck.
He has consistently denied faking the incident and maintains he’s the victim of a crime.
Judge James Linn allowed cameras into the courtroom to record him sentencing Smollett. Prosecutors had pushed for jail time while Smollett’s defense argued the trial had been unfair.
The judge heard statements from people asking him to show leniency to Smollett, including from Jesse Jackson and actor Samuel L Jackson.
“I ask you, judge, not to send him to prison,” his grandmother, 92-year-old Molly Smollett, told the court. “If you do, send me along with him, OK?”
Related: Jussie Smollett is about to go through some things after yesterday’s guilty verdict
In his 30-minute summing up, Judge Linn blasted Smollett as “profoundly arrogant and selfish and narcissistic.”
He continued, “I don’t think money motivated you at all,” pointing out Smollett earned around $2million a year from his role on the TV show Empire. He said Smollett had damaged the civil rights movement through his actions.
“The only thing I can find is that you craved the attention,” Linn said.
“You took some scabs off healing wounds, you ripped them apart. And for a while, it worked.
“You were throwing a national pity party for yourself.”
“You’re not a victim of a racial hate crime, you’re not a victim of a homophobic hate crime. You’re just a charlatan pretending to be a victim of a hate crime, and that’s shameful.”
Judge Linn asked Smollett if he had anything to say, but Smollett declined, saying he was following the advice given to him by his attorneys.
However, when the judge read out his sentence, Smollett removed the facemask he’d been wearing and became vocal.
“If I did this, then it means that I stuck my fist in the fears of Black Americans in this country for over 400 years and the fears of the LGBT community,” Smollett said, standing up at the defense table.
“Your Honor, I respect you and I respect the jury but I did not do this. And I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself. And you must all know that,” he said, becoming increasingly agitated.
As he was led from the courtroom, Smollett again shouted out.
“I am innocent,” he yelled, raising his fist. “I could have said I am guilty a long time ago.”
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Smollett was led away to begin his jail time immediately, He is expected to serve 75 days of the 150 days sentence. Smollett’s attorney says they plan to appeal the judge’s decision.
After the sentencing, Smollett’s family posted a message to his Instagram, again quoting him claiming innocence and assuring people he was not suicidal.
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sfhairy
sister girl did the crime, now she can do the time.
jt1990
Ohh he’s gonna be someone’s girl now! Sadly, when he becomes Bubba’s unwilling shower buddy, no one will believe him…
nmharleyrider
too short a prison sentence tho’
phenom
trying this case was a waste of time and taxpayer money. look into it further.
SamB
He looks ridiculous. His family looks bad by association, they need to stop supporting him.
Eternal.Cowboy
“He looks ridiculous.”
We agree on this. Probably not the only thing but the first to come up. I would like to think this would be the last we hear about him but I know better. Good news is we will probably have something to agree on again when pops back into the news.
“His family looks bad by association, they need to stop supporting him.”
And here is where we part ways. Guilt by Association is another variant of the Ad Hominem Attack and is fallacious reasoning. Further, you are going to go after a 92 year old grandmother for saying she is going miss her grand child? That just lacks basic human empathy.
SamB
Cowboy: Were was I “going after” his grandmother? I didn’t single her out, I didn’t even mention her.
Eternal.Cowboy
I will break down your comment for you.
‘His family….”
Grandparents are family. In the context of this article his grandmother is the only individual family member actually mentioned and quoted. So for all intents and purposes she is the face of the family in this article.
“…looks bad by association….”
And here is where the went after the family of which she was the face and voice of.
“…they need to stop supporting him.”
The support mentioned in the article was primarily the quote from his grandmother who’s comments were about missing him. Then there was reference to an instagram post where some unknown member(s) said they thought he was innocent.
So, yes, the grandmother was in fact a person you were targeting with your comment even if you didn’t specifically name her.
SamB
Cowboy: Again with your double-speak. Nice try.
Cam
@SamB
Same old rac-ist troll account. Ignoring the actual criminal so it can have a bogus excuse to attack the family. Because, we know that any Black people, in your world are bad.
Your troll game is sad and weak.
Oh, I almost forgot, quick, post something now pretending to be so offended by being called a rac-ist. I’ll wait sweetie.
Eternal.Cowboy
There was no double speak in there. You are once again fleeing from a conversation.
Also, Cam totally called you a rac-ist that time.
I know you don’t care about my opinion but FWIW, I certainly took issue with your comment c but certainly didn’t see it as rac—ist. Kinda of weak for someone to fall back on that kind of attack.
Until next time, happy trails.
MarcyMayer
Jussie Smollett is your typical leftist. He lies about everything. He’s a fraud.
RyanMBecker
Cowboy,
I agree completely with SamB. He made a simple statement that doesn’t need your convoluted analysis. When you request special treatment for someone who is obviously guilty — and continues to bog down the justice system (remember the threatened defamation suit against Chicago?) — you indeed look “bad by association.” The man still has shown no remorse.
I’d say the same for Jesse Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s especially embarrassing for Jesse Jackson since Smollet indeed harmed the black and gay communities. First, by putting unnecessary fear into those communities by falsely claiming that someone is targeting blacks and gays. Then by making future reports of true hate crimes less credible. Jesse Jackson indeed looks bad for commenting when he should’ve have just stayed silent.
RyanMBecker
Eternal.Cowboy wrote: “Guilt by Association is another variant of the Ad Hominem Attack and is fallacious reasoning.”
You’re being intellectually dishonest, which is worse than “fallacious reasoning.” Read SamB’s comment carefully. Unlike your convoluted “analysis,” it’s short and in simple English. He wrote, “His family looks bad by association.” There was nothing about “guilt.” There was nothing about the family participating in his hoax. In another post, I said that Jesse Jackson looks bad by associating himself with Smollet. Does that mean I think Jackson is guilty in any way? Or are you claiming that “looking bad” is synonymous with “guilt”? Think about it.
RyanMBecker
I agree. That challenge from the grandmother is ridiculous and deserves to be mocked. A reasonable statement would’ve been, “I’m 92 and the stress of having Jussie locked up would weigh heavily on my heart. Please be lenient.” Instead, she made a moronic request: “If you do, send me along with him, OK?”
If I was the judge, I would’ve replied, “OK, go commit a crime and I’ll indeed sentence you along with him.” Duh.
Eternal.Cowboy
@ RyanMBecker
If you are going to chime in on the Ad Hominem Attack fallacy please take a college course in logic so you know what it is. The guilt by association fallacy doesn’t use the term guilt in the legal context. It’s discrediting a person for being associated to a person that did something wrong. The quote from SamB is a text book example. He says the family looks bad for being associated. Nothing intellectually dishonest about pointing that out the fallacy.
Cam
@MarcyMayer said…
“”””Jussie Smollett is your typical leftist. He lies about everything. “”””””
Says the account with multiple troll screenames.
Beachman
I’m with SamB on this one….family looks like money grabbing leeches (which is often the case). And the Instagram snap shot says ‘Our brother is innocent, and we will keep fighting’, the ‘we’ implies ‘more than one’….meaning ‘family’…..meaning they look awful….as does Jussie.
He should listen to his PR people and just go away if he hopes to ever act in Hollywood again.
nmharleyrider
I totally agree
bren1712
He is one twisted guy, needs therapy.and jail time, not only did he mastermind this whole sick plot, he made a fool of people who experience real hate crimes, making it harder for them to be believed,,,then of course defiant in court…throw the key away.
Kangol2
I’ll agree with you that he’s mentally unwell but the reality is that many people refuse to believe hate crimes occur, whether hoaxers pull stunts like this or not. The counterweight to this is that as cameras with video functions and tools have become far more common it’s much easier to document the hate crimes–which are numerous in the US and, as is well documented, surged over the last five years–that occur. A recent report showed that just last month in addition to the hate crimes we see in the news (particularly against Asian Americans) there was also a surge in hate crimes against Jewish Americans and Black people.
jt1990
White liberals are also to blame for feeding the victim mentality to minorities, especially blacks. I have yet to see a true hate crime against blacks, hispanics, lgbt, or any other non-white/heterosexuals. With the exception of the Dylann Roof case in SC…but mental illness played a part in that as well.
mastik8
I wonder who will play him in the movie?
mailliw110
I nominate SamB.
Kangol2
It would almost be David Lynchian move to have him play himself. I mean, he can act, sing and clearly, stage a stunt.
Heywood Jablowme
@mailliw110: Can SamB wear blackface? lol
Mister P
Of course the Republican troll thinks his family should abandon him. Family values doesn’t apply to black gay guys.
Geez Sam so you have any smart thoughts ?
SamB
I have no idea why everything is about race with you. If any parent stands by their kid when it’s been proven without a doubt they faked a crime in order to get attention, then that parent has not done their job properly. No my parents would not stand by me if I committed a crime like this.
ZzBomb
@Sam As far as crimes go this isn’t that big of a deal. 150 days in jail and he didn’t kill anyone? Do clutch those pearls some more loser.
DuMaurier
I agree with you; but then, I don’t judge anyone for sticking by and believing a family member accused of something, no matter what. I won’t say you’re selective in applying this principle, but I wonder.
Terrycloth
His outburst with his fist in the air ” I did not do this ..” I would have called him back into court and said that outburst cost you another 60 days in prison..I will add more if there’s another outburst from you..do you understand ? A gay narracisst who dosent understand why they don’t belive the crazy story..his career is done…acting , singing or otherwize
nmharleyrider
He has done a lot of damage to LGBTQ people with this ridiculous act
Fahd
With the amount of time that has passed since the incident, the media and private investigators, who Smollett could afford, would have been able to demonstrate his factual innocence if that were possible. He’s not factually innocent.
I believe Smollett committed perjury on the stand and that his assertions of innocence are either phony or based on some kind of unwillingness or inability to understand the nature of the charges. His outburst shows why his attorneys advised him not to make a statement to the judge before sentencing.
To me, the jail time is appropriate and not overly long especially with time off provisions nowadays. Given the attention the case has received, I think jail time is appropriate as a deterrent to others who might twistedly try to stage a hate crime for attention.
His sticking to his story and doubling down including ranting about suicide now seems like an effort to set up the book tour and mini-series, which I guess has been his intended endgame.
Diplomat
Bingo on that last paragraph.
Inspector 57
What Fahd wrote.
SiamSean
Bend over Bae… Wonder how the self-named black Carey Grant/ Tupac will fare in the nick. Hope he’ll get to experience gen pop.
Inspector 57
“Bend over Bae…”
SiamSean, have you read any of the articles on Jussie Smollett’s sentencing in the mainstream media? About a third of the feedback comments there consist entirely of cliched, predictable, ignorant, Bubba-type “jokes” about Jussie being raped in prison. The homophobia and the glee over sexual assault expressed in those comments is absolutely appalling. It is even more discouraging and disappointing to read those sentiments here on Queerty.
frapachino
Buh byyy racist. Notice the silence from certain regulars in here. I guess this doesn’t fit their narrative or world view so they ignore it.
Cam
Oh wow! SamB dragged out THIS dusty old screename to comment here? I’d almost forgotten this one existed. LOL
MarcyMayer
Leftists are race hustlers and Jussie Smollett and Al Sharpton are hoaxers. Hey, New Yorkers, remember the Twana Brawley case?
Kangol2
Barry M/MarcyMayer/James Hart, it was “Tawana” Brawley and yes, we remember it. Should we go down the list of White racist hoaxers like Charles Stewart, Susan Smith, Ashley Todd, etc.? It’s quite extensive! Do you want to claim all White Republicans like Ashley Todd are racial hoaxers? I don’t think so!
frapachino
Why did you only target whites in your post?
jt1990
If only I could claim victim status for the racist attacks I’ve experienced from blacks and hispanics for being white! Unfortunately, only whitey can be raycis, so my case would be dismissed as a “hoax” from the beginning. Otherwise, I’d be fully retired on my private island with a few millions in lawsuits left over…
Cam
@Jt1990, @frapachino, @The Accidental Polemicist, @SamB, @MarcyMayer
Wow, the right wing troll account brought in FIVE screenames to comment here. Nothing enrages the troll more than a Black person.
The Accidental Polemicist
@Cam
Said the leftist consumed by race.
Jim
Smollett’s grandmother has shown us where he gets his “profoundly arrogant and selfish and narcissistic” personality and histrionics!!
Cam
Yeah, a grandmother not wanting her grandson to go to jail, what a terrible b*tch. (eye roll).
Interesting that the troll accounts are veering off of the actual criminal and using it as an excuse to attack the entire family.
Diplomat
You know Cam, when you’re not acting out your chasing troll / screen name paranoia addiction, and taking shots ad nauseam about it, I really do enjoy your comments. It’s old and tired. Would you consider dropping it?
jt1990
Mothers and grandmother’s will often stand up for their kids, especially their sons…even if they know deep down he’s in the wrong. This was told to me by a relative who is a retired detective. And some just don’t want to be made a fool by being associated with the fool! I feel bad for Granny in this case.
RyanMBecker
Cam, it’s really sickening how
often you (and others) use the “troll” argument whenever you disagree with someone. Even when I agree with your comments, I’m embarrassed for you when you attack the messenger rather than the message. You don’t even seem to know what an internet troll is. A troll is not simply someone who expresses a disagreeable opinion. A troll is someone who posts comments just to provoke people. And that’s certainly not the case for most of the people you accused of trolling. I may disagree with their comments but that doesn’t mean they weren’t sincere or posted merely to provoke.
Cam
@RyanMBecker
Except, you always blow it troll, you ignored the main comment, and as always, your obsession with me slipped out. Try harder next time.
@Diplomat
You tried two screenames to attack me in one thread. Sweetie, I know it really p*sses you off that all of your troll names keep getting exposed. But you’ve tried these weird lame attempts in the past. You apparently are insecure and think others are. Even if I believed that this was not the same old troll making the comment, I couldn’t care less if they didn’t like me exposing your troll screenames. But see, the problem is, to the other people on this site, a few comments from me aren’t a big part of their day. The only one obsessed and enraged is the right wing troll I keep calling out.
As always, your troll game is sad and weak.
The Accidental Polemicist
@RyanMBecker
And it went right over Cam’s head. 🙁
Diplomat
Cam
Dude with crack pipe in the corner. You can only have one screen name per IP address on this site.
So unless all your illusionary trolls have several computers with different email accounts and IP addresses in other people’s names, your entire troll game is blown. In other words you’re living in your own delusion.
So again, do you mind zipping it and make some comments that are actually interesting.
Your obsession with trolls real or not, is a mind out of control.
ZzBomb
Yawn, this case and Smollett were never worth paying attention to. The only people who do, clearly by some of the comments here, are the racists who love to just watch black people go down. We see you.
The Accidental Polemicist
Personally, I’m just glad that Jussie Smollett’s attacker was sent to jail yesterday.
Inspector 57
Disagree. I think I’m not especially racist, and this case — especially the sentencing — is something I found worthy of paying attention to. Smollett’s actions gave actual racists and homophobes material to use to further devalue — internally and/or vocally — all of us in those minorities. The judge’s sentence and explanation of it sent an important message that: (1) Smollett does NOT represent all Black or LGBTQ people, and (2) what he did was a crime and that sort of crime will be sentenced seriously.
jt1990
I was actually interested in seeing if Mr. Smollett was telling the truth. Even though it reeked of a hate hoax from the beginning, I kept telling myself no one would be stupid enough to lie about so many details. I guess the Dylann Roof case stands alone as the only real hate crime by an evil whitey.
As for me, I think the embarassment endured by Smollett is plenty. I didn’t wish to see him “go down,” especially not in the manner he will once he meets Bubba…
frapachino
Oh brother!
Chrisk
Part of being a malignant narcissist is the inability to recognize how insane you sound to everyone else. That and taking no responsibility for his actions. It’s a trait he shares with Trump.
MarcyMayer
You’re right.
Smollett hates Trump, but they are two peas in one pod: They are both extreme narcissists.
SoloMcDaniel
Every Chicago TV station broadcasted the sentencing live which only added to the “theater” of this whole thing. The judge was playing it up for the camera as did Jussie with his outburst.
From day one, everyone in Chicago doubted his story. It made no sense. A couple of MAGA supporters out walking on a lower level street on one of the coldest nights of the year recognize a C level actor and decide to beat him up? Yet Jussie admittedly goest to Steamworks and does drugs with another guy and nobody recognizes him? SURE.
Inspector 57
Apparently, not *everyone* in Chicago doubted JS’s story. Cook County Prosecutor Kim Foxx initially dismissed the case.
Then, after her decision was overruled and JS was found to be obviously guilty and was given a fair sentence, she unnecessary grandstanded and said that he was railroaded by “kangaroo prosecution.”
She’s as much of an embarrassment as Jussie Smollett is. Cook County needs to lose her.
frapachino
Kammy Knee Pads Harris also supported him from day one and publicly. A former DA of all people should have known better.
MISTERJETT
Jussie was telling the truth. it will come out eventually and i hope he sues Chicago for all it’s worth.
The Accidental Polemicist
And OJ was innocent as well, right?
The Accidental Polemicist
Buh-bye, “Juicy Smoolyay”!
Jussie gave us another example of when the demand for racism exceeds the demand.
Advice for Jussie:
Next time you want to commit a narcissistic, racist, idiotic ideological hate crime – DON’T PAY BY CHECK!!!
Bonuscheque
#selfdestructive
jt1990
It’s unfair Mr. Smollett went to jail, when so many hate hoaxers are walking free. I’m also shocked at the outcome…I predicted based on the judge’s hair piece and Smollett’s shoe polish skin tone there would be no jail time.
Kangol2
I’ve said it before and will say again, given where he was in his career just before he did this stunt still does not make sense to me. The argument about getting better pay doesn’t really compute; he was already one of the stars of the show and could easily have built off his role on it for future films and TV series. He also had a flourishing music career, that again was bolstered by the show. Yes, he probably craved more attention beyond he was getting, but to the extent that he would blow his entire life and career up like this how could he ever have calculated that this was worth it? And now what? Jail, he’ll remain a pariah in Hollywood and among many quarters across the US, and this has completely overshadowed one of the better things he’s ever done, directing the film B-Boy Blues.
Terrycloth
TMZ is reporting jussie will have camera surveillance 24/7 and guards with camreas..he will be allowed free time out of his cell to watch TV but alone no other priioners around..then back to his cell..I say let him mingle with them. Might cure him of his narracisstic disorder real quick.i hope there is no movie made of his hoax & trial..if there is he makes nothing on it what so ever..profits go to gay alliance and Chicago pd
jaimedance3
I’m Sorry But Having Been A Victim To 4 Hate Crime Attacks I Have No Sympathy For A Pompous Jackass Who Made What I Went Thru A Complete Joke ~
The Accidental Polemicist
I’m sorry you experienced the hateful ignorance of others.
Godspeed!
Me2
Your blind rage doesn’t allow you to see the blatant homophobia of his prosecution. If he were straight or female, I guarantee he wouldn’t be in jail.
charette8596
@Me2 You can guarantee if he were straight or female, he wouldn’t be in jail? Ya right. He took advantage of the legal system, cost taxpayers time and money with his scam. Don’t care what sex he is, what sex he prefers or what color he is. Guilty is guilty. GTFOH
jt1990
Sorry for your pain, I myself have also been the victim of hate slurs and crime since middle school. Mostly by non-whites. But no one believed me…I was always told straight white males can’t be victims!
toddlicious
Best performance yet! Give him an Emmy!
KyleMichelSullivan
There’s something wrong about this. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but it just feels totally off. I’ve never seen one of the shows he’s in, nor had I even heard of him prior to this incident…but this all hits me as…I dunno…glib and condescending in reaction. Almost pissy and deliberate in its cruelty.
Maybe it’s just that I don’t trust the prosecutor and politicians making capital off this, let alone the cops. When they get going, they will not change course, no matter what the evidence…which has often sent innocent people to prison or their deaths. Texas executed Cameron Todd Willingham even after it was shown the deaths of his 3 daughters were an accident, not deliberate. Rick Perry shrugged it off and in went the needle. And a young programmer was driven to suicide by a Federal prosecutor pushing for a trial in a case the so-called victim did not want and said was not an issue.
This feels too much like those.
phenom
You’re right. State prosecutors chose not to pursue this case, and instead a judge ordered special people to be hired with unlimited budget in order to try this case. Cost state taxpayers all sorts of money, meanwhile other cases didn’t happen. Look into the state prosecutor who chose not to try this case the first time, they wrote an op-ed about it and now there’s been a bill introduced to try and get them fired.
ScottOnEarth
I don’t believe Jussie’s claims in this case and I’m not a fan of his but 30 months is just far too long of a sentence. He had a clean record and this case didn’t not involve violence. Financial remuneration, along with (possible) house-arrest and probation, would have been sufficient, given the resources spent on investigating his claims. And, yes, I do firmly believe that he would not have received nearly as long a sentence – if any – if he weren’t black.
Me2
He doesn’t deserve jail time. This entire trial was a gross misuse of resources. Where’s the special prosecutor for the other atrocities perpetrated against humans in Chicago? Meanwhile the likes of Alec Baldwin, who has a history of violence and actually has taken a life, is walking free. The prosecution of Jussie was just as malicious as his accusations. Society is no better off with him in prison.
jackscott
Hope to never see him again on a show… goodbye girl!
The Accidental Polemicist
His hatred of Trump and narcissistic love for himself has landed in jail – where he belongs.
Jussie, glad you’re not suicidal, but you did kill your career.
strap2900
He made a bad decision and should own up to it. He should have accepted his sentence quietly. He is a talented guy and he has done a lot of good work for underprivileged families and such. Something happened to him psychologically and he should seek out a therapist for help. I think that he was stressed out ( way over the top) and snapped in a way. I do believe he is a good person that, unfortunately, did something bad, without thinking of the consequences of his actions. In his recent mental state, he might just have convinced himself that he is indeed innocent. There are many documented cases of this.
DuMaurier
I am not in any way defending Smollett–like a lot of people I’m espcially infuriated that he never reached the point of admitting what he did and apologizing; that was his one chance to pull something “good” out of this miserable situation. But just to give this some context, from what the brothers have said, and his own actions after the “incident”, he never wanted to get the authorities involved. That’s incredibly stupid, of course; once it was made public, the police would have to get in on it. But it seems he wanted to get whatever he could out of (essentially) a “publicity stunt” that wouldn’t spin horrifically out of control the way it did.
Again, not a defense; I’m glad justice was served and I have no issue with the sentence. I am still angry he doesn’t have the conscience and humility to come clean, and then somehow use the experience in the cause of combating actual hate crimes. Maybe jail will do it, but the way he seems to be sinking further and further into his disordered thinking I’m not hopeful. The worst thing about it is giving the right-wing something to gloat about.
jt1990
“The worst thing about it is giving the right-wing something to gloat about”
The left wing crowd is a never-ending source of laughs and head scratching ‘wtf’ moments, so I’ll save the gloating for the next great occasion. I’m genuinely shocked not at the fact it was a textbook hate hoax from the beginning, but the dark-skin perpetrator was actually convicted and sent to jail! I sure hope Mr. Smollett has a durable set of knee pads, I doubt those cement floors are as forgiving as the fancy carpeting he’s likely used to at home.