Actor Jussie Smollett’s attempt to fight his convictions was put to an end after the Illinois appeals court affirmed them this week. According to ABC News, Smollett and his lawyers had previously challenged several aspects of the case such as the role of a special prosecutor, jury selection, and evidence.
Despite gaining sympathy from high-level Democratic politicians in 2019 when he staged a fake hate crime that garnered worldwide media attention, his attempts at appealing his conviction were ultimately unsuccessful.
The ultimate outcome of Smollett’s appeals case has been determined; consequently, he will have to serve the 150-day jail sentence originally imposed on him. Prior to the result of his appeal, Smollett had only served a total of six days in jail.
ABC News noted:
A jury convicted Smollett in 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct, a charge that can be filed in Illinois when a person lies to police.
Smollett’s lawyers are now attempting to attribute the entire incident to “politics” and racism, instead of accepting responsibility and acknowledging that their client has been convicted of fraud.
Holly Baird, a spokesperson for Smollett, declared that they would bring the case before the Illinois Supreme Court. “We are preparing to take this matter up with the Supreme Court,” Baird stated in her statement.
Smollett was widely criticized on social media, with many rejoicing in the fact that he must complete his prison term.
JUST IN: Hoaxer Jussie Smollett lost his appeal and is going back to jail after an appeals court affirmed his disorderly conduct conviction.
Good. Keep him there.
In December of 2021, Smollett was found guilty of 5 felony counts after he faked a hate crime to make Trump… pic.twitter.com/HozAXnfy40
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 1, 2023
