Jussie Smollett Faces Return to Jail as Illinois Appeals Court Upholds Conviction

In a significant legal development, the Illinois appeals court has denied Jussie Smollett’s appeal on disorderly conduct convictions, setting the stage for the “Empire” actor to return behind bars. The decision, with a split 2-1 ruling, saw Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan in agreement, while Judge Freddrenna Lyle dissented, highlighting a divided perspective.

Smollett’s legal team, led by representative Holly Baird, expressed their intent to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, emphasizing the divided nature of the decision and presenting a substantial body of evidence. Special Prosecutor Dan K. Webb, on the other hand, welcomed the decision, stating that it validates the tireless efforts of Winston & Strawn and marks a resounding victory for justice.

Jussie Smollett’s saga began with his 2019 claim of a hate crime against him, which later turned into a complex legal battle. Despite his insistence on innocence, a jury found him guilty on five of six disorderly conduct charges in 2021, resulting in a 150-day jail sentence, 30 months of felony probation, a $25,000 fine, and restitution to the city of Chicago amounting to $120,106. Smollett’s journey through the legal system continues as his legal team seeks another appeal, leaving the fate of his conviction in the hands of the Illinois Supreme Court. If the conviction stands, Smollett will have to fulfill the remainder of his jail sentence.