Jussie Smollett, who is accused of lying to police about an alleged hate crime, has taken the stand in his own defense at his trial.
Opening statements began after the jury was seated, with prosecutors telling jurors the actor was an accomplice to his own"fake hate crime," while defense attorneys claimed Smollett was a"victim."
Special Prosecutor Daniel Webb claimed in opening statements that Smollett devised a"secret plan" in January 2019 with brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo to make it appear a hate crime occurred against him by supporters of Donald Trump and to make producers of his former TV show take more seriously an alleged"hate" letter he received.
Defense counsel Nenye Uche opened directly to the jury, saying there was an"elephant" in the courtroom, and"we shall name this elephant: assumptions." "Jussie Smollett is a victim — it's a shame I have to say it," said Uche."This rush to judgment has destroyed Jussie's life."
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