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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: ‘EMPIRE’ Star Fakes Hate Crime on Self? Jussie Smollett Trial Commences

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Actor Jussie Smollett’s Chicago trial on charges that he faked a hate crime attack on himself has begun. 39-year-old Smollett was starring in the television show “Empire” when he claimed he was attacked by two men who hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him. They also left a noose around his neck.

Two brothers who worked as extras on “Empire” later came forward and said Smollett had paid them to “attack” him. Prosecutors charged the actor but Cook County Prosecutor Kim Foxx dropped all the charges in return for community service and forfeiture of his bond. The outrage prompted the appointment of a special prosecutor, who indicted Smollett on six disorderly conduct charges.

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

Prof. Brian Levin – Director, Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, California State University (San Bernardino), Co-author: “The Limits of Dissent;” Twitter: @proflevin
Wendy Patrick– California Prosecutor; author of “Red Flags,” & Host of “The Answer” on KCBQ Radio; Twitter: @WendyPatrickPHD
Dr. Angela Arnold – Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA. Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital
Joe Scott Morgan
JoScott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University; Author, “Blood Beneath My Feet;” Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan”
Alexis Tereszcuk – CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter, Writer/Fact Checker at Lead Stories dot Com; Twitter: @swimmie2009

TIP LINE: Chicago Police Department (312) 746-6000

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show heard on SiriusXM channel 111 airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Actor Jussie Smollett asks photographers to move back as he arrives with his mother Janet, right, at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse for day three of his trial in Chicago on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. Smollett is accused of lying to police when he reported he was the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack in downtown Chicago nearly three years ago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)]