Chicago Tribune

Judge scolds Smollett over 'vile and despicable' allegations; actor released after posting bond

CHICAGO - A Cook County judge scolded Jussie Smollett as he set bond Thursday at $100,000 on charges that the "Empire" actor staged an attack on himself, falsely claiming that two men called him slurs while placing a noose around his neck and beating him last month in downtown Chicago.

"The most vile and despicable part of it, if it's true, is the noose," said Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr., who is black. "That symbol conjures up such evil in this country's history."

Smollett, 36, was released from Cook County Jail about 3:45 p.m. after a friend in California posted the necessary $10,000 cash, court records show.

Earlier in the afternoon, an attorney for Smollett, Jack Prior, said in court that the actor "vehemently denies" the allegations and that the charged conduct was "inconsistent with Mr. Smollett's character." Prior said Smollett does extensive charity work, does not pose a safety threat and

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune10 min readAmerican Government
On Election Day, Progressive Candidates And Causes Are At The Center Of Illinois' Democratic Primary Ballot
CHICAGO — With the presidential nominations of Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump already assured, the focus of Tuesday’s primary election in Illinois moves to down-ballot contests that could represent a defining mo
Chicago Tribune4 min read
Editorial: First-time Voters Must Be Left Alone To Make Their Choice. Even By Their Teachers
When it sees today’s high school seniors, the union representing Chicago Public Schools teachers doesn’t just see young minds needing nurturing; it sees voters for its pet causes. The Chicago Teachers Union, an ardent supporter of both Mayor Brandon
Chicago Tribune4 min read
‘Nolly’ Review: On Masterpiece, Helena Bonham Carter Plays A Soap Star Who’s Been Sacked
A longtime British soap star until she was unceremoniously sacked in 1981, Noele “Nolly” Gordon was the kind of larger-than-life figure who is common — essential, even — to show business. A bit ridiculous, a bit imperious, but also so much fun. The f

Related Books & Audiobooks