A video has emerged of Jussie Smollett making a speech at the courthouse on his state of mind after being sentenced to 150 days in prison yesterday, March 10.
The former Empire actor was sentenced after being convicted last year for falsely claiming in January 2019 that he was the victim of a hate crime.
Now, footage has emerged on Smollett following the sentencing, where he comments on his state of mind.
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In the video, Smollett affirms that while he has 'respect' for the judge and jury, he wanted to emphasise that he is 'not suicidal'.
He repeats the phrase several times, adding that he is 'innocent'.
Smollett then proceeds to say: 'If I did this then it means I stuck my fist in the fears of Black Americans in this country for over 400 years and the fears of the LGBTQ community.'
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He then proceeded to say: '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.'
The actor maintain his innocence relating to the case, which concerned his 2019 claim to police that two unknown men had attacked him, made racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him and wrapped a noose around his neck.
Officers investigated the incident and determined that Smollett has orchestrated the stunt. He was reportedly said to have paid two brothers that he knew from Empire to stage the attack.
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The brother's Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo testified in court against the actor, as per CNN.
Smollett testified in his own defence and said that while he had paid the brothers it was for training advice and nutritional tips.
The actor was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct last year, with his sentencing taking place today.
Judge James Linn said of the case: 'There is nothing that I can do here today that can come close to the damage you've already done to your own life. You've turned your life upside down by your conduct and shenanigans.'
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The actor has now been sentenced to 150 days in prison and 30 months of probation.
He has also been charged $145,000 (£110,000), of which $120,106 is restitution to the city of Chicago.
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Topics: US News
