CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on the case against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett (all times local):
12:15 p.m.
An attorney for Jussie Smollett says she wants cameras in the courtroom throughout the “Empire” actor’s trial so that the public “can see the evidence and the lack thereof.”
Attorney Tina Glandian told Judge Leroy Martin during a brief hearing Tuesday in Chicago that a lot of misinformation has been leaked and that much of it “is actually demonstrably false.”
Both sides agreed to allowing cameras in the courtroom on Thursday and Martin said the eventual trial judge will determine whether cameras will be allowed in the room during the trial.
Smollett is charged with 16 counts accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago. Police allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, staged the Jan. 29 attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday.
-This item has been corrected to reflect that both sides agreed to allowing cameras in the courtroom at Smollett’s next hearing, which is on Thursday.
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12:05 p.m.
“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has arrived at a hearing in Chicago where lawyers will discuss whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom during his disorderly conduct trial.
Smollett was joined by his lawyers and some family members at Tuesday’s hearing.
A grand jury indicted Smollett last week on 16 felony counts accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago.
Police allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, staged the Jan. 29 attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career. He is free on bond and has another hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Smollett’s attorneys have called the charges “prosecutorial overkill” and say the actor maintains his innocence.
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9:25 a.m.
“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett is expected at a Chicago hearing to discuss whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during his disorderly conduct case.
A spokeswoman for Smollett’s attorneys says the actor is expected to attend Tuesday’s hearing in Cook County criminal court.
A grand jury indicted Smollett last week on 16 felony counts accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago.
Police allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, staged the Jan. 29 attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career. He is free on bond and has another hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Smollett’s attorneys have called the charges “prosecutorial overkill” and say the actor maintains his innocence.
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