Jussie Smollett has lost his appeal conviction in the Appellate Court of Illinois on Friday, (Dec. 1).
According to reports, 2 out of the 3 judges voted to uphold the conviction. The court’s decision comes after Smollett asked for a new trial in his case. In 2021 the “Empire” star was found guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct for his role in the hate crime hoax.
Smollett will return to jail to finish his 150-day sentence unless he takes his appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court and they rule in his favor. His legal team is reportedly looking to move forward with the appeal to the Supreme Court. In 2022, the actor began his sentence but was released on bond after the court ruled that he can be out of jail while waiting for the outcome of the appeal.
A rep of his said, “We wish to highlight that the decision was divided, with Justice Lyle offering a detailed analysis in favor of Smollett. We are preparing to escalate this matter to the Supreme Court, armed with a substantial body of evidence.”
In the appeal, his lawyers asked for a new trial citing that there were errors from the first trial. They also called the sentencing “excessive” and also tried to get the $145,000 in restitution that Smollett was ordered to pay dropped.
There is no word on when Jussie Smollett would have to return to prison to finish his sentence.