Jussie Smollett to Be Released From Jail Amid Conviction Appeal

Jussie Smollett will be released from jail as he appeals his conviction of staging a hate crime against himself and making a false report to police, AP reports. 

Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in Illinois’ Cook County jail on Thursday where he was being held in protective custody. After his sentencing, the Empire actor delivered an impassioned plea, maintaining his innocence and declaring that he isn’t suicidal. “I am not suicidal. And if anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself,” he said. “And you must all know that.” 

Smollett was ordered at the time to pay a $25,000 fine and $120,106 in restitution. He was also given 30 months probation.

Smollett’s attorneys argued that their client would wind up serving the entirety of his sentence during the appeals process, coupled with the claim from the actor following his conviction that being behind bars would put him in harm’s way. 

As part of his release following a 2-1 decision in appeals court, Smollett would be required to post a $150,000 personal recognizance bond, meaning he would simply need to agree to show up to court on the appointed date, but putting down any money wouldn’t be necessary. 

This post will be updated.