Jussie Smollett: Fans React After Actor Is Sentenced to 150 Days in Jail

Martin Holmes
15 Comments
Jussie Smollett in court
Brian Cassella-Pool/Getty Images
Brian Cassella-Pool/Getty Images

Former Empire star Jussie Smollett has been sentenced to 150 days in jail after a jury found him guilty of lying to police about being the victim of a hate crime attack.

Back in December, Smollett was found guilty of five charges of felony disorderly conduct, stemming from an incident three years ago when the actor claimed he was attacked by two assailants. Smollett alleged that the attackers shouted racist and homophobic slurs while dumping a “chemical substance” on him and tying a noose around his neck. However, a court found that he was lying about the attack.

In addition to his jail sentence, Smollett was also ordered to pay $120,000 restitution to the city of Chicago, plus a $25,000 fine, and to serve 30 months of probation. He declared his innocence as he left the courtroom, stating, “If I did this, then it means that I stuck my fist in the fears of Black Americans in this country for over 400 years and the fears of the LGBT community.”

He continued: “Your Honor, I respect you, and I respect the jury, but I did not do this. And I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in [jail], I did not do it to myself. And you must all know that.”

The reaction on social media was divisive, with some pleased to see the sentence and others questioning it. “Jussie Smollett received more time than George Zimmerman and nearly everyone who tried to overthrow the government on January 6th,” tweeted author Frederick Joseph.

“However you feel about Jussie Smollett & what he did, why does any jailtime, let alone 150 days make sense?” added civil rights attorney Scott Hechinger. “Enormous taxpayer cost. His careers deeply damaged so punishment’s exacted. Forget rehabilitation: he’ll come out far more damaged than when he went in. A costly waste.”

Others didn’t think the sentence was harsh enough, with one person writing, “Jussie Smollett gets 150 days in jail. Not close to enough, but at least he’s going to prison for his lies.” Another commenter added, “Congratulations #JussieSmollett you’ve managed to have both sides go against you and you are too narcissistic to apologize for your actions. You deserve more prison time.”

Jussie Smollett



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  1. G

    GoldButterfly

    If the Chicago police hadn't been so quick to point out inconsistencies with his claim, Smollett could have caused riots leading to destruction, injuries, and even death. 150 days? Not enough.

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    1. G

      GreenBulb

      True!

      But seriously, how can any adult down-vote this? oh... nevermind.

  2. C

    CyanPumpkin

    Every detective who worked this case knew it was nonsense. A roaming group of white supremacist who recognize an actor from a TV show with a black cast about rap music. A hate crime victim whose face wasn't messed up and has a perfect smile after a street beating. Jussie should get an extra year in jail for being too dumb to be free.

    24 3

  3. B

    Blue8Ball

    The crime is comparable to a false rape allegation in many ways. False claims hurt everyone in ways that are hard to estimate. They can ruin others lives. Forever. We learn the "Boy who cried wolf" fable early in life to teach the importance of public honesty. Restitution plus a fine plus some jail time seems appropriate given the defendant's continuing efforts to sensationalize this lie on national television.

    17 1

  4. O

    OrangeMagnet

    He alleged a hate crime that turned out to be a lie. He has been found guilty and sentenced. The more we talk about it, the happier he is. He needs to serve his sentence and we all need to move on and forget him.

    6

  5. O

    OliveBandAid

    Jussie is guilty of fabricating a HORRIBLE story - and using a NOOSE (something he should be ASHAMED of!! based off how they hung our ANCESTORS!!!) - Just look at the story he told Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America" --- I think 5 months is nothing!!! AND he won't even SERVE that!!! He is a pathological liar....Now - I understand that the justice system against our black men is unfair - (and HOW DARE TARAJI compare this to Emmett Till).....The Sentence in this IS RIGHT!!!!!! Get over it!!!!

    #HeWontEvendo5months

    #HeGotCaught

    #TELLtheTRUTH

    #STOPLYING

    #WeCANTiGNOREwhenWEareWRONG

    4

  6. G

    GreenFlask

    I just wish someone would put a microphone in front of some of the celebrities who quickly voiced support of Smollett and asked them what they think of the sentence.

    4

  7. O

    OliveDice

    People seem to be saying this is all about Race. That's why Smollett did it because he knew his lie would be explosive since the lie was all about race. Live by the sword, die by it as the saying goes.

    4 1

  8. G

    GoldBug

    The jan 6 protesters are STILL IN PRISON with no bail in sight. Fredrich Joseph you're a liar.

    2

  9. C

    CyanBike

    He should have been charged and convicted of a hate crime. 150 days is laughable, he should spend decades in prison. Maybe Alec Baldwin can be his cellmate.

    3 1

  10. O

    OliveDice

    Everyone knew it was a hoax. As a Chicagoan, we don't allow MAGA people into the city. And if a few infiltrate, they certainly would not be bold enough to claim that Chicago is MAGA country.

    1 1

  11. O

    OlivePlanet

    typical..white judge sentences a black man in show business

    1 15

    1. C

      CyanBike

      Jussies privilege is why he wasn't charged with a hate crime.

      4

  12. O

    OrangeMagnet

    Every rioter got less time. They broke in political offices and had a field day. No one was physically hurt from Jussie, but two policeman died at the capital. If Jussie was white, 0 jail time.

    5 24

    1. B

      BlueSword

      There still in jail, no bail and under 23 hour lock down. Where are you getting your news from lady

      9 2