Smollett was also fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution.
According to local media outlets, the actor became emotional after the decision was made and shouted “I’m not suicidal, and I didn’t do it.”
In January 2019, the Empire alum claimed that he had been attacked by homophobic and racist people. Two men poured an unknown chemical substance onto him and tied a rope around the neck.
“I am currently working with authorities. I have been 100% factual and consistent at every level. “Despite my frustrations, deep concern about certain inaccuracies, misrepresentations which have been spread,” he stated in a statement that he released the next month.
He said, “As my family stated in a statement, these types cowardly attacks are happening daily to my sisters, brothers, and non-gender-conforming siblings. This is not an isolated incident and it should not be taken as such. Even in times of grief, trauma, and pain, it is important to remember that we still have a responsibility for leading with love. It is all I know. That can’t be kicked.”
Us Weekly confirmed one month later that Smollett had been charged with making false police reports. Smollett was charged with 16 felonies of disorderly conduct after he was taken into custody. In March 2019, all charges against the Mighty Ducks star were dropped after he entered a not guilty plea.
“After reviewing all facts and circumstances, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer work in the community, and agreeing to forfeit his bond, the City of Chicago, this outcome is appropriate,” the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office stated in a statement.
Smollett was again indicted in February 2020 for six counts of making false police reports. Smollett, who pleaded guilty to the new charges in February 2020, was again indicted on six counts of making false reports to police.
After a delay caused by the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, a week-long trial was held in Chicago in December 2021. Smollett discussed his relationship with Abimbola and Olabinjo who claimed that they were hired to perpetrate a homophobic and racist attack.
For his part, the California native denied creating a hoax with the brothers to gain media coverage. Smollett claimed that he was intimate with Abimbola. He then said that Olabinjo “creeped out” him, adding, “Everytime we were around him, he didn’t talk to me.” He made it appear that we had to sneak away every time we needed him to leave.
Abimbola denied any sexual relationship with Smollett, but said that he did follow through on his alleged request to “fake beating him up” as he felt he owed Smollett for his extra role on empire.
Smollett was convicted in the same month of five of six felony charges of disorderly conduct.
