CHICAGO (1010 WINS) — A Chicago jury has found actor Jussie Smollett guilty of staging a racist and homophobic attack three years ago.
The 39-year-old was found guilty on five of six counts of disorderly conduct under Illinois' disorderly conduct statute, which prohibits individuals from making false reports to police.
According to the Associated Press, the charge is classified as a class 4 felony, which can carry a prison sentenced of up to three years. However, it’s believed Smollett will likely be placed on probation.
Jurors deliberated for over nine hours on Wednesday and Thursday over the charges stemming from the fake attack in January 2019.
During the nearly one-week trial, the former “Empire” actor was accused of hiring two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, to attack him on a Chicago street, place a noose around his neck and rough him up.
Both Osundairo siblings testified that Smollett had orchestrated the entire thing. They also told jurors that the actor wanted the attack to be done in front of video surveillance cameras so that the staged assault could be published on social media.
During testimony, Smollett continued to maintain that he was the victim of a real hate crime.
He called the brothers “liars” and told jurors that while he did write them a $3,500 check, it was for meal and workout plans.
Smollett’s attorneys argued that the Osundairos are homophobic and did not like who the actor was, because he is gay and Black. They also said the brothers made up the story about the attack being staged in order to get money from Smollett.
Attorneys for Smollett told the court that the Osundario brothers promised they would not testify against him if Smollett paid them each $1 million.
Still, in closing arguments on Wednesday, prosecutors said there was “overwhelming evidence” that the 2019 attack was staged and that Smollett lied to authorities for publicity.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.