The jury didn’t buy Jussie Smollett‘s claim he was the victim of a racist-homophobic attack, but the leaders of Black Lives Matter certainly do … and the org. is sticking by the actor.
BLM and BLM LA released a statement before the verdict, in support of the “Empire” actor, saying … “So let’s be clear: we love everybody in our community … we can never believe police, especially the CPD over Jussie Smollett, a Black man who has been courageously present, visible, and vocal in the struggle for Black freedom.”
Now, after Jussie’s been found guilty, BLM LA leader Melina Abdullah tells us that stance hasn’t changed — Jussie has their full support. Abdula says the organization refuses to abandon its people and stands on the principle that the justice system is corrupt.
Smollett’s former “Empire” costar, Bryshere Gray, is standing by his friend as well, telling us, “My prayers, love and support is unwavering for my brother Jussie and the Smollet Family.”
Smollett was found guilty Thursday on 5 of 6 felony counts of lying to Chicago PD.
From the jump, Jussie denied claims he staged the 2019 attack … sticking to his story when he reported it to police with the rope still around his neck.
Jussie now faces a possible 3-year prison sentence, but considering he has no prior criminal record … it’s unclear if he’ll get any time behind bars.
On the other hand, it’s likely he’ll have to pay $130k in restitution to Chicago to cover its expenses for investigating the hoax.