Sources with direct knowledge and who are in touch with the convicted actor informed TMZ that Smollet had expected to get jail time solely due to the color of his skin.
He reportedly told his defense team before the sentencing that he felt he would be treated more severely than others convicted of a non-violent crime because of this matter, believing it’s evidence of systemic racism in the judicial system. According to TMZ, Smollett reportedly insisted to his legal team following the sentencing hearing that his prediction was spot on, based on the animosity the judge showed toward him, calling it “unfortunate” and “sad.”
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Immediately before hearing his jail sentence, Smollett broke out into screams of “I am not suicidal,” proclaiming his innocence. After his sentencing, Smollett reportedly underwent a “medical, mental health, and security assessment” at Cook County jail. He was reportedly sent to a facility with "a Residential Treatment Unit for infirm or at-risk detainees.”
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Smollett’s lawyers have requested “protective custody” for the actor.
In addition to jail time, the former “Empire" star also faces a pair of non-incarceration sentences: a $25,000 fine alongside the $120,106 of damages sought by the city of Chicago for the police who put in overtime to investigate Smollett’s hate crime hoax in the first place, as well as 30 months of felony probation.
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