Jussie Smollett Sentenced After Supporters Asked for ‘Mercy’

Cook County Judge James Linn has finally sentenced former television star Jussie Smollett.

Smollett received 150 days in jail, 30 months felony probation, a $25,000 fine and is ordered to pay over $120,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago.

At one point, Judge Linn called Smollett “profoundly arrogant and narcissistic” during a hour-long scolding.

Smollett’s immediate reaction to his sentencing raised eyebrows.

He remained defiant as court officers whisked him away.

Smollett’s sentencing got off to a rough start before it even began when the disgraced celebrity showed up late. Shortly afterward, his bodyguards became physical with members of the press outside the courthouse.

Smollett’s attorneys then asked the judge for a do-over in court. Smollett, who continues to deny his role in the staged attack, has sought to get his guilty verdict overturned or at least get a new trial after voicing frustrations with the jury selection process.

Judge Linn denied the motion to dismiss Smollett’s conviction.

Instead of appearing contrite, Smollett maintained his innocence while an array of character witnesses told the judge about his commitment to social justice.

At one point, Smollett’s lead attorney argued he shouldn’t receive a prison sentence because he could die of COVID behind bars.

Before sentencing, Smollett declined to make a statement.

In December, a Windy City jury found Smollett guilty on five out of six counts of disorderly conduct for perpetrating a fake hate crime against himself to benefit his acting career. (RELATED: Once One of America’s Most Powerful Democrats, Now Fallen Star, Indicted for Bribery, Racketeering and More)

Smollett faced the possibility of up to three years behind bars.

On Jan. 29, 2019, Smollett told Chicago police officers that two supporters of then-President Trump assaulted him outside of his downtown apartment. He claimed they accosted him with racial and homophobic slurs before declaring, “This is MAGA country.” According to Smollett, the assailants proceeded to pour bleach on him and put a noose around his neck.

In reality, Smollett had staged the attack earlier that morning with Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, two Nigerian American brothers he befriended on the set of his hit show “Empire.”

On Feb. 20, Smollett turned himself into the authorities after a grand jury charged him with filing a false police report, a felony. One month later, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office dropped all charges against Smollett, provided he completed 16 hours of community service and forfeited his $10,000 bond.

Under the gaze of State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, the actions of prosecutors sparked a public outcry.

A 60-page special prosecutor’s report called Foxx’s office’s handling of the case a “major failure.” Special prosecutor Dan Webb chronicled several instances where Foxx and her prosecutors lied about their prosecution of Smollett and their rationale for dropping the case against him. (RELATED: Chicago Police Witnessed Deadly Gang Shootout – But Prosecutors Still Released Suspects)

Smollett’s attorneys tried unsuccessfully to get the revived case against their client dismissed, arguing that he already met the requirements of his sweetheart deal.

So, what do you think about today’s sentence against Smollett? And setting aside his guilt, do you think he can redeem himself? As always, share your thoughts with us below!