November 3, 2024

Westside People

Complete News World

Jussie Smollett’s sentence begins with his first night in the Cook County Jail; “I’m not a suicide,” the actor shouted in response to the verdict

Jussie Smollett’s sentence begins with his first night in the Cook County Jail;  “I’m not a suicide,” the actor shouted in response to the verdict
CHICAGO (WLS) – Jussie Smollett spent his first night behind bars after a judge sentenced him to five months in prison for a fake hate crime.

Thursday’s session ended in a big way as Smollett rose from his seat and declared his innocence and concern for his safety.

Watch | Jussie Smollett’s emotional outburst in court

The 39-year-old was silent and stunned his family and others in the courtroom when Cook County Judge James Lane delivered the verdict.

“You will serve the first 150 days of your sentence in Cook County Jail, and that day will begin. Right here, now,” Judge Lane said.

In considering the sentencing, Lane said that Smollett’s “extreme” premeditation to commit the crime was an aggravating factor. He also said that the actor had denigrated the experiences of real hate crime victims, calling him an “impostor” and a liar.

“You went up on the witness stand. You didn’t have to. You did it. You were certainly right. But you committed hour after hour after hour of perjury,” said Lin.

Watch | Judge Lin’s full comments on the verdict

While in prison, Smollett also began 30 months of probation in addition to being ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages to the City of Chicago and a $25,000 fine.

Then the disgraced representative addressed the court.

“I’m not suicidal,” Smollett said. “I’m not a suicide! I’m innocent! And I’m not a suicide. If I do this, it means I got my fist in the fears of black Americans in this country for 400 years and the fears of the LGBTQ community. Honor, I respect you, and I respect the jury, but I didn’t do this, and I’m not A suicide. And if anything happened to me when I got in there, I didn’t do it myself! And you should all know which-that!”

See also  Daft Punk to stream a rare 1997 show they played without helmets

The ruling came three months after Smollett was found guilty of five felony charges of disorderly conduct for lying to Chicago police.

Smollett was still proclaiming his innocence with Charles, and he was taken out of court after sentencing.

“I am innocent!” He said. “I could have said I was guilty a long time ago!”

Watch | Family defends Jussie Smollett’s innocence after sentencing

The ruling angered Smollett’s family, who criticized the judge after the verdict was pronounced.

“My brother Josie is innocent, and this shouldn’t be a controversial statement because it’s the ultimate truth,” said Josie’s sister, Jazz Smollett.

“My brother was disgraced,” said Josie Smollett, Josie’s brother. “Talk about his arrogance. He doesn’t know the suffering my brother is going through.”

Report on Kim Foxx’s office handling of Jussie Smollett’s case made public, judge rules

Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Dan Webb praised the judge.

“This was a course of behavior that deserved severe punishment,” Webb said. “I thought it was the right way to do it. And I think based on his sentencing, Judge Lin clearly understood what happened in this case.”

Smollett’s defense team said they were stunned and vowed to appeal.

“I’ve never seen in my entire career as a lawyer, and none of the other lawyers here have seen a situation where a fourth degree felony gets the same treatment as a violent crime,” defense attorney Nene Uchi said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot applauded the judge’s ruling, writing: “Josie Smollett’s criminal conviction by a fellow jury and sentencing today should send a clear message to everyone in the city of Chicago that false allegations and allegations will not be tolerated. The malicious and fabricated allegations have been fully led Smollett has provided more than 1,500 hours of police work that has cost the city more than $130,000 in overtime police work. The city feels that its judgment today has been validated in that he will be held accountable and that we will receive appropriate compensation for his actions.”

See also  Kim Kardashian treats babies at Universal Studios after crying about co-parenting

Related: Jussie Smollett Verdict: ‘Empire’ actor guilty of disorderly conduct; Defense vows appeal

Smollett’s sentencing hearing comes three months after the actor was found guilty of forging a hate crime against him. Smollett told Chicago police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack on Streetville Street in January 2019.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.