The "Empire" actor pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Jussie Smollett has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
The "Empire" actor is accused of staging a fake attack on himself because he was allegedly dissatisfied with his pay.
As he entered the Chicago court Thursday, Smollett acknowledged supporters who had gathered outside. Inside, he was expressionless as he entered his plea.
Smollett has always maintained his innocence. “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,” Smollett tearfully told the cast and crew of "Empire" before he was suspended from the show by Fox.
Outside court Thursday, Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian said they would welcome cameras in court.
"There is a lot of misinformation," Glandian told reporters. "We welcome cameras in the courtroom so that the public and the media can see the actual evidence and what we believe is actually going to be the lack of evidence against Mr. Smollett. And we look forward to complete transparency and the truth coming out."
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