Jussie Smollett to Be Released From Jail While Appealing Conviction

An Illinois appeals court on Wednesday ordered the release of actor Jussie Smollett from jail while the one-time star of the TV drama “Empire” appeals his conviction for staging a hate crime against himself.

The 2-1 ruling by a three-judge panel noted that Smollett’s conviction was for a non-violent offense and said he could be released upon posting a $150,000 recognizance bond. {snip}

Smollett has spent six nights in jail since a Cook County judge sentenced him to 150 days of confinement plus 30 months of probation, ordered him to pay over $120,000 in restitution, and fined him $25,000.

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