Jussie Smollett Awaits Verdict As Jurors Consider Case
Newsy
The former "Empire" actor testified that he was the victim of a real hate crime, telling jurors "there was no hoax."
Jurors in Jussie Smollett's trial resumed deliberations Thursday on charges the former "Empire" actor orchestrated a fake attack on himself, then lied to Chicago police about being the victim of an anti-gay, racist hate crime.
The jury deliberated for about two hours on Wednesday following a roughly one-week trial. They asked Judge James Linn for a copy of a calendar prosecutors displayed at trial that indicated relevant dates, including that of the alleged attack and of what two brothers testified was a "dry run" for the Jan. 29, 2019, assault.
In closing arguments earlier Wednesday, a prosecutor told jurors there is "overwhelming evidence" that Smollett staged the attack, then lied to police about it for publicity. His defense attorney said prosecutors' case was based on lies.
