Jussie Smollett is so keen to be an active participant in defending the 16 charges currently filed against him, the Empire actor strutted into a hearing he didn’t have to attend today.
The actor, who is facing 16 Class 4 Felony charges for disorderly conduct for filing a false report, walked into the Cook County Courthouse on Tuesday ahead of his entourage, seeming strong in his stance.
The 36-year-old had been laying low since his arrest earlier this month, however he made an appearance wearing shades, gloves and a trench coat as several members of his team trailed behind.
Jussie Smollett and legal team arrives for hearing about cameras in the court room.
He is choosing to be here. Not required. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/pP6eVBFzqK
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) March 12, 2019
According to TMZ today’s hearing was for his attorney, Mark Geragos, to file the paperwork so he can represent the actor and his case in Illinois.
While Chicago’s Sun Times claimed today’s hearing was to decide whether to allow cameras in the courtroom during proceedings in the upcoming case.
It comes after Smollett was originally charged with one Class 4 Felony charge for disorderly conduct for filing a false report, after claiming two men attacked him last month in a hate crime.
In an 86-page indictment filed by a grand jury, that charge was then applied 15 times over, meaning he now faces 16 felony counts.
While each charge doesn’t potentially mean additional time in prison, each one does carry a maximum probation sentence of four years.
He’s now potentially facing a maximum of three years in prison, a $25,000 fine and 60 years probation.
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.