Jussie Smollett, who claims he was thesubject of a racist and homophobic attackat the hands of two men, appeared before a judge on Thursday.
TheEmpirestar, 36, was present in bond court on Thursday afternoon, just hours after turned himself into police. He was dressed in a black jacket with his hands clasped behind his back. Smollett’s family members were also present in the courtroom.
Judge John F. Lyke Jr. set Smollett’s bond at $100,000 and was released after posting $10,000 bond. He has also been asked to surrender his passport. His next hearing is scheduled for March 14.
Text messages between Smollett and brothers Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo that detailed how the 45-second attack was to be allegedly orchestrated were read in court.
Jussie Smollett leaving court on Feb. 21.TANNEN MAURY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Jussie Smollett.Kamil Krzaczynski/AP/Shutterstock
Jussie Smollett’s familiy arriving at his bond hearing.Patriot Pics / BACKGRID
In addition, Smollett allegedly texted that he “wanted Ola to place a rope around his neck, pour gasoline on him and yell ‘This is MAGA country,’ ” also allegedly instructing the men to purchase red baseball caps which resemble the ones that say President Donald Trump‘s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Smollett and his legal team are gearing up to launch an “aggressive defense,” according to his attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson.
“Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked,” Pugh and Henderson in a statement given to PEOPLE on Wednesday. “Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.”
Jussie Smollett.Chicago Police Department/AP/REX/Shutterstock
If Smollett is found guilty, falsifying a police report is a Class 4 felony which carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
Jussie Smollett.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Smollett, who was given the presumption of being a victim until the latter stages of the investigation, is now the third person arrested in the case.
RELATED VIDEO: Jussie Smollett Allegedly Paid $3,500 to Stage Attack Because He Was Unhappy with Salary: Police
During a Thursday press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson alleged Smollett sent a false letter to himself on the Fox show’s set “that relied on racial, homophobic and political language.” Subsequently, said Johnson, Smollett allegedly choreographed the attack “because he was dissatisfied with his salary.”
One of the brothers worked onEmpire, said Johnson, who added that Smollett allegedly chose them because of their “bulk.” Johnson said the brothers hit Smollett a few times, but most of Smollett’s injuries were “self-inflicted.”
A statement from 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment to PEOPLE on Thursday reads: “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”
source: people.com
