The American actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty by a Chicago court of having staged in 2019 a racist and homophobic assault of which he claimed to be the victim. The 39-year-old comedian, who pleaded not guilty, was accused of planning his assault. The affair had caused a stir in the United States.
It’s a story of rise and fall, as Hollywood likes them. Jussie Smollett grew up in the spotlight, a hero in particular of a family sitcom. But it is by participating in the series Empire that the 39-year-old African-American singer and actor is enjoying success.
He plays Jamal Lyon, the youngest of a hip-hop producer obsessed with his succession. Like his character, Jussie Smollett made his coming out homosexual in a still very heteronormous environment.
False aggression
Two years ago, the actor said he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack perpetrated by two masked men claiming to be supporters of Donald Trump. He tells it in great detail a few days later on ABC. In a country still marked by racial discrimination, this affair provokes a shock wave and the support of many black stars like Viola Davis or Michael B. Jordan.
But the surveillance footage and testimonies of two brothers of Nigerian descent, who say they received $ 3,500 from Jussie Smollett to attack him, are damning.
The Chicago court condemns the actor for having staged this assault. He still denies being responsible for a hoax and announces his intention to appeal the verdict. Jussie Smollett faces three years in prison. The sentence will be pronounced later.
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