According to sources, Jussie Smollett apologized to the cast and crew of Empire shortly after appearing in bond court. The 36-year-old turned himself in to authorities yesterday (Feb. 22) and was charged with disorderly conduct and filing a false police report.
“I’m sorry I’ve put you all through this and not answered any calls,” he reportedly said on set., per TMZ. “I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family. I swear to God, I did not do this.” Sources say he was able to do his scene, despite being visibly emotional.
“Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system,” said the actor and singer’s lawyers in a statement regarding he controversy surrounding him. “Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.”
In late-January, Smollett said that he was a victim of a hate crime, and that two white Trump supporters attacked him in the streets of Chicago late at night. However, as more information came out, it appeared that the story may have been entirely fabricated by Smollett. If convicted with a felony, Smollett faces up to three years in prison.
