Jussie Smollett Is Still Trying To Fight His Hoax Case
Jussie Smollett is spending millions to fight his 2021 conviction for disorderly conduct related to an alleged staged attack in 2019 and clear his name. He still proclaims his innocence in a recent interview: “I know that on the surface it probably seems like why doesn’t he just serve the time, why doesn’t he just let this go,” he told ET. “It would be easier if I had in fact done this to say that I did it. I wouldn’t have spent almost $3 million of my own money. I wouldn’t have had a trial.”
Smollett remains steadfast in his version of events. “I haven’t switched my story up,” he insists. “I haven’t changed anything that I ever said. I stand by every single thing that I’ve ever said.” Any actor can stick to the same script but does the evidence back him up?
The jury at his trial was shown surveillance footage of brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo buying the supplies used in the attack: gloves, ski masks and a red hat at a beauty supply store, as well as a rope at a craft store with $100 bill from Smollett. Smollett was seen driving with the brothers four days before the attack.
The jury also saw a copy of a $3,500 check made out to Abimbola Osundairo, which the prosecution said was payment for taking part in the planned attack.