(CHICAGO) — Despite being supported by Black Lives Matter, Jussie Smollett has been convicted of staging a hate crime on himself with the help of two Nigerians.

The former “Empire” actor was convicted Thursday on charges he staged an anti-gay, racist attack on himself nearly three years ago and then lied to Chicago police about it.

Smollett stood and faced the jury, showing no visible reaction, as the guilty verdict was read.

The jury found the 39-year-old guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police in the days following the hoax attack. He was acquitted on a sixth count of lying to a detective in mid-February, weeks after Smollett said he was attacked.

Judge James Linn set a post-trial hearing for Jan. 27, and said he would schedule Smollett’s sentencing at a later date. Disorderly conduct is a class 4 felony that carries a prison sentence of up to three years, but experts have said if convicted, Smollett would likely be placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

ORIGINAL Story:

The jury has reached a verdict in the case against actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with lying about a racist attack.

The “Empire” actor alleged he was attacked and called racist and homophobic slurs by two men in Chicago in January 2019. He has maintained it was not orchestrated by himself.

His attorneys say they will appeal the conviction.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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