Jussie Smollet Placed In Psych Ward Following Courtroom Outburst

In a video posted to the former Empire actor’s social media accounts, Jussie Smollet’s brother Joqcui Smollett has said the actor “is currently in the psych ward at Cook County Jail,” potentially in the wake of comments he made during his recent sentencing last week.

“What’s very concerning is that there was a note attached to his paperwork today and put on the front of his jail cell saying that he is at risk of self-harm,” Jocqui also said. He flatly denied this claim on behalf of his brother.

“I just want to make it clear to folks that he is in no shape or form at risk of self-harm, and he wants to let folks know that. That he is very stable, he is very strong, he is very healthy, and ready to take on the challenge that ultimately has been put up against him. This is not right … but he ultimately knows what he has to do,” Smollett added.

After requesting that fans and supporters share Jussie’s story and tagging Cook County jail in “#FreeJussie” social media posts, Smollett confirmed that the actor and his family are continuing to maintain his innocence. “He was attacked. He is innocent. And even if you don’t believe in his innocence, you should believe that he should be free. He should not be in jail under any circumstances,” Smollett said.

Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail, ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the city of Chicago, fined $25,000, and served 30 months felony probation for orchestrating a false hate crime against himself in 2019. Cook County Judge James Linn called Smollett “toxic” and a “charlatan” in his sentencing and said his story was that of “riches to rags.”

Smollett shouted, “I am not suicidal, and I am innocent.” In response to the sentencing, and repeatedly while leaving the courtroom. You can see Judge Linn’s full sentencing statement, and Smollett’s response, in this video below.