Was “Empire” star Jussie Smollett the victim of a racist and homophobic attack? A court in Chicago is now dealing with this question.
Chicago – The US actor Jussie Smollett (39), who is said to have faked a racist and homophobic attack directed against him, is on trial.
The trial of the former star of the US series “Empire” opened on Monday in Chicago. Among other things, Smollett is accused of making false statements to the police. The actor had previously pleaded “not guilty”.
The headline-grabbing case began in January 2019 when Smollett told police he was attacked by two masked men one night near his home. The actor was later arrested for alleged false testimony. According to investigators, he is said to have paid the men to fake the attack against him. The gay and African American actor wanted to advance his career, it said.
At the start of the trial on Monday, the prosecutor accused Smollett of having fabricated the incident, reported the Chicago Tribune. His defense lawyer said the actor was actually the victim of an attack. dpa
