Smollett defense set to cross-examine star state witness

Jussie Smollett’s legal team will seek to dent the credibility of a star state witness who testified about how he said the former “Empire” actor recruited him and his brother to stage a racist, homophobic attack on Smollett

CHICAGO -- Jussie Smollett’s legal team Thursday will seek to dent the credibility of a star state witness who the day before testified about how he said the former “Empire” actor recruited him and his brother to stage a racist, homophobic attack on Smollett.

But casting doubts on the testimony of Abimbola Osundairo as the defense begins cross-examining the aspiring actor won't be easy. Much of what he told jurors from the stand on Wednesday appears to be corroborated by video and other evidence.

Osundairo testified that Smollett instructed him and his brother in advance on how they should carry out the Jan. 29, 2019, hoax. Smollett also planned a “dry run" and gave him a $100 bill to buy supplies, Osundairo said.

Osundairo told jurors Smollett instructed him to punch Smollett but “not too hard.” Once Smollett was on the ground, Osundairo said Smollett said he should give Smollett “a bruise” and “give him a noogie” — or rub his knuckles hard on Smollett's head.