Jussie Smollett, a Black and gay actor, was sentenced to 150 days in prison by a court on Thursday, dubbing him a narcissistic charlatan for inventing a hate crime against himself to gain attention while the country grappled with terrible issues of racial injustice. Smollett reacted by strongly defending his innocence and implying that he could be murdered in prison.

Before the judge announced the judgment, Smollett declined to comment, stating that he listened to his attorneys’ advice. Smollett removed the face mask he wore during the court after Cook County Judge James Linn announced his judgment, declaring himself innocent.

Smollett Statement

“I will be putting my fist in the worries of nearly 400 years of Black history in this nation, as well as the fears of the LGBT community,” he stated as his attorneys and sheriff’s deputies gathered him at the defense table. “I respect you, Your Honor, and I respect the jurors, but I did not do this. I’m also not suicidal. It is not me if something bad happens when I enter that room. And I’m sure you’re all aware of this.”

About Smollett

Smollett, who knew the men from his work on the Chicago-based television show “Empire,” testified that he didn’t recognize them and had no idea they were the attackers.

Unlike the trial, Linn decided to allow photographers and a television camera inside court for the hearing, allowing the public to see and hear Smollett for the first time in court.