Closing arguments set for today in Jussie Smollett’s trial for alleged hoax attack

Smollett, 39, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of disorderly conduct on suspicion of making false reports to police.

They testified that they fake punched him, poured bleach on him, put a noose around his neck and used racist and homophobic slurs — because he told them to.

Defense attorneys also called seven witnesses to testify, highlighted by Smollett himself.

The trial is the culmination of a case that began when Smollett told police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in January 2019.

Celebrities, politicians and advocacy groups rallied behind the actor, and police poured significant resources into solving the case and locating the suspects.

However, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office dropped all charges weeks later, saying he did community service, lost his $10,000 bond and was no danger to the community.

The incident effectively ended Smollett’s acting career.

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