Jussie Smollett’s trial jury was selected on Monday in the case against the former “Empire” actor for allegedly faking a hate crime back in January 2019.
Smollett, 39, is accused of lying to police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic assault in Chicago and has been charged with felony disorderly conduct.
A class 4 felony, the crime carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. However, experts have said it is more likely that if Smollett is convicted he would be placed on probation and perhaps ordered to perform community service.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, who is not working on the case, told Fox News, he believes the odds are stacked against Smollett. “[The prosectution] has a really strong case,” he said listing the evidence which includes phone records and texts between Smollett and his alleged hired attackers.
Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, two brothers, told police Smollett paid them $3,500 to pose as his attackers.
“The prosecution is strong because of corroborating, independent evidence that is consistent with Smollett making a false police report,” Rahmani explained. “What type of explanation can Smollett’s attorney have to justify him contacting the brothers?”
Rahmani admitted he “expects a guilty verdict” and thinks Smollett is “someone who doesn’t deserve any type of break.” In fact, the legal expert believes the trial only “brings more attention to Smollett’s misconduct” which the public was starting to forget about since the incident occurred before the pandemic.
Whether Smollett, who is Black and gay, testifies remains an open question. The brothers are expected to testify at trial and repeat what they told police in the past, that Smollett paid them to carry out the attack in order to … (Read more)
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