Closing arguments underway in trial of Jussie Smollett

CHICAGO — Closing arguments are underway successful the lawsuit against erstwhile "Empire" histrion Jussie Smollett.

Smollett is accused of staging a racist, anti-gay onslaught against himself successful downtown Chicago.

Prosecutor Dan Webb told jurors there's "overwhelming" grounds Smollett lied astir the January 2019 attack.

An lawyer for Smollett is expected to springiness a closing statement aboriginal Wednesday.

The assemblage is past expected to deliberate whether Smollett is blameworthy connected six counts of a low-level felony for lying to Chicago police.

During much than 8 hours of grounds connected Monday and Tuesday, Smollett has repeatedly denied the onslaught was a fake, telling a authoritative "there was nary hoax connected my part" and that 2 brothers who testified against him are "liars."

The proceedings stems from Smollett's 2019 study to constabulary successful which helium claimed to person been the unfortunate of a racist and homophobic attack. He claims helium was attacked by 2 men who utilized radical slurs, enactment a noose astir his cervix and told him that "this is MAGA country."

After an investigation, constabulary said they believed Smollett knew the 2 attackers and paid them to signifier the hatred crime. Abimbola Osundairo testified during the proceedings that Smollett had paid him to transportation retired the attack.

Smollett faces six counts of disorderly behaviour related to filing a mendacious constabulary report. CNN says the complaint is punishable by up to 3 years successful prison.