Jussie Smollett Pleads Not Guilty To Disorderly Conduct Charges

CHICAGO — Actor Jussie Smollett has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of staging a racist, homophobic attack on himself. Smollett's lawyer, Tina Glandian, entered the plea on his behalf Thursday at the Cook County courthouse. Judge Steven Watkins was assigned to the case.

Smollett was indicted on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct. Chicago police and prosecutors say he staged the attack for publicity.

Smollett's attorney Mark Geragos called the 16 counts against Smollett "prosecutorial overkill."

"This redundant and vindictive indictment is nothing more than a desperate attempt to make headlines in order to distract from the internal investigation launched to investigate the outrageous leaking of false information by the Chicago Police Department and the shameless and illegal invasion of Jussie's privacy in tampering with his medical records."

Smollett, who is gay, claimed he was attacked in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood by men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs at him. Smollett said they doused him with a chemical and put a noose around his neck. The actor also claimed the men called out "This is MAGA country" during the attack.

CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack, with a promise of $500 after it.

The brothers released a statement earlier this month expressing "tremendous regret" for their reported involvement.

About a week before Smollett reported he had been attacked, he sent a racist letter to the set of "Empire," Johnson said. Police are conducting a separate investigation into the letter.

Smollett was released from custody in late February after posting $100,000 bail.

Smollett's next court date is scheduled for April 17.

Related:

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• 'Empire' Actor Jussie Smollett Staged Attack For Publicity: Cops
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