Derek Henkle / AFP – Getty Images
As previously reported, Jussie Smollett was indicted on 16 charges after Chicago PD accused him of staging his own attack back in January. The indictment reportedly includes a charge for each supposed lie Jussie told police—but the Empire actor maintains his innocence, as he pled “not guilty”.
According to a recent article from The Hollywood Reporter:
“Jussie Smollett entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday in a Chicago courtroom on charges he lied to police when he reported that he was the victim of a hate crime earlier this year. The Empire actor was initially charged with disorderly conduct via the class 4 felony false report allegation and later indicted on 16 felony counts for allegedly lying to authorities about an attack that took place in January wherein he claimed he was targeted by two Donald Trump supporters and beaten because he is African-American and homosexual.”
The actor is due back to court on April 17. Meanwhile, Empire, still with Jussie included, has returned to television with its first new episode since his attack. Tune into FOX on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. to watch him and the rest of the Lyon Den.
