Jussie Smollett has been released from prison as his lawyers work in his appeal, after being found guilty of staging a hate crime hoax.
The actor was found guilt of five counts of disorderly conduct after staging a hate crime. Last week, he was sentenced by a Cook County Judge, to serve 150 days (5 months) in prison, was fined $25,000 and ordered to complete 30 months of probation.
After one day in prison, the actor filed for appeal and a judge has permitted him to be released as that appeal is underway.
The Empire stars’ lawyers have fought for his release on the premise that Smollett would have finished his jail time by the time the appeal process finished. They have also argued that Smollett would be in physical danger and risk of violence if left in the jail.
The 39-year-old’s release comes only days after he was placed in a ‘psychiatric ward’ for his own personal safety. His brother, Jocqui Smollett, has updated fans on the actors Instagram:
“Jussie is currently in the psych ward”
“There was a note…saying that he is at risk of self harm. i want to just make it clear to folks that he is in no way shape or form at risk of self harm”
Smollett spent just six days behind bars.
