Jussie Smollett’s career went downhill when he was found to have staged a hate crime in 2019. The actor known for his role as Jamal Lyon in Empire made false reports of him being attacked by two individuals (which they were paid to do). The actor also claimed that they screamed “This is MAGA Country” during the attack.
Describing himself as a Gay Tupac for surviving the racial assault, the actor was found guilty in 2021 for the crime. Earlier this year, his attorney filed an appeal of the 150-day sentence he was given but the court has rejected this plea and he may face time in prison and complete his sentence.
Jussie Smollett’s Appeal Gets Rejected By the Illinois Court
Jussie Smollett was convicted in 2021 for staging a hate crime and making false reports to police. He received a 150-day jail sentence and earlier his attorney sought an appeal for his conviction. The Illinois Appellate Court recently reached a decision and it seems the actor is in serious trouble and may have to commit to completing the sentence he was given.
As reported by Bounding into Comics, the Illinois court has rejected the plea for an appeal. The court put out a statement saying,
“Given the absence of a non-prosecution agreement with the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, reprosecuting Smollett was not fundamentally unfair. Because the charges against Smollett were [formally abandoned] before jeopardy had attached in the first criminal proceeding, the subsequent prosecution did not violate his rights against double jeopardy.”
The actor’s cowardly actions seem to have come to haunt him as he is paying a heavy consequence. Smollett is likely to return to prison after this ruling and what’s in store for him in the future is unknown.
Prosecutor Dan Webb Says the Court’s Ruling Is a Resounding Victory
Jussie Smollett’s appeal was recently rejected by the Illinois Appellate Court and the actor is likely to return to prison and complete his 150-day sentence. The prosecutor of the case Dan Webb says the ruling was a resounding and profound victory. He told TMZ that the actor may try to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. He said,
“What happens next is Mr. Smollett can file a petition for a higher appeal to The Illinois Supreme Court. This is purely discretionary meaning the court does not have to hear this appeal. He lost all legal rights to an appeal with today’s decision.
If the Supreme Court decides to hear his appeal, there will be briefs filed and a hearing date set. If not, then the case goes back to the trial court, which will execute his sentence.”
The actor’s professional career is permanently affected by this case and he is likely to never find work even after completing his sentence. Considering what he did, the ruling is justified in rejecting his appeal.
