At Jussie Smollett trial, Osundairo brothers at center stage
ABC News
Jury selection is underway in the trial of actor Jussie Smollett
CHICAGO -- Two brothers stand at the center of the case that prosecutors will lay before jurors during the trial of Jussie Smollett this week.
The former “Empire” actor contends he was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault in downtown Chicago on a frigid night in January 2019. The siblings, who worked with him on the TV show, say he paid them $3,500 to pose as his attackers.
Jury selection began Monday in a Chicago courtroom. Judge James Linn said he expects the trial to take about one week.
Smollett is accused of lying to police about the alleged attack and has been charged with felony disorderly conduct. A class 4 felony, the crime carries a sentence of up to three years in prison but experts have said it is more likely that if Smollett is convicted he would be placed on probation and perhaps ordered to perform community service.
