Jussie Smollett was sentenced to five months in prison for faking a hate crime in Chicago, and he claims that his race had a role in his sentence.
According to TMZ, the actor, 39, best known for his role on Fox’s “Empire,” told his defense team before sentencing that he expected jail time and feared he’d be sentenced harsher than others convicted of similar offenses because of his skin color.
It’s another proof of systematic racism in the legal system, according to Smollett.
He reportedly told his team that he was “dead right” in his prediction, calling the situation “unfortunate” and “sad.”
Judge James Linn sentenced Smollett to 30 months of probation, the first five of which he must spend in the Cook County jail, and ordered him to pay the city of Chicago $120,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine after he was found guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct following his eight-day trial late last year.
Smollett refused to speak before his sentence was handed down, but as he was brought away in handcuffs following Judge Linn’s judgment, he began to declare his innocence.
“I’m not guilty!” I should have admitted my guilt a long time ago!” In court, Smollett stated.
“I am not suicidal. I am innocent and I’m not suicidal. If I did this, then it means that I shoved my fist in the fears of Black Americans in this country for over 400 years and the fears of the LGBTQ community,” Smollett shouted.
“Your honor, I respect you and I respect your decision, but I did not do this and I am not suicidal and if anything happens to me when I go there, I did not do it to myself and you must all know that.”