Former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett loses appeal as the Illinois appeals court upholds his conviction for orchestrating a hate crime continue Reading...
Smollett, sentenced to 150 days in jail, had falsely claimed he was attacked, but investigators concluded he paid two men to stage the incident.
The appeals court, in a 2-1 vote, rejected Smollett's appeal, upholding the conviction on multiple felony charges.
Smollett's lawyers had challenged various aspects, including the appointment of a special prosecutor and COVID-19 restrictions affecting the trial.
Smollett's representatives plan to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.
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