Jussie Smollett continues to receive undivided love from her former co-star Taraji P. Henson. As the embattled actor’s legal troubles continue, his on-screen mother’s support remains consistent.
The beloved singer fell from grace in 2019 after claiming to be the victim of a hate crime. The incident occurred at the height of the media personality’s fame as Jamal Lyon on the Fox drama series, “Empire.”
After fans rallied behind the 41-year-old, calling his assailant homophobic, authorities charged the alleged crime. Retribution quickly followed, with the California native convicted of filing a false police report.
Despite the backlash he received, the “Think Like A Man” actor refused to leave the entertainer’s corner. The Oscar nominee was recently spotted spending some quality time with the “Conqueror” artist. Please keep scrolling to find out more about their dates!
Jussie Smollett & Taraji P. Henson Enjoy a Sweaty Hug Amid Actors Appeal Case
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Over the weekend, paparazzi spotted the “On Our Own” star out in Los Angeles with her on-screen mom by her side. As seen in a photo shared by TMZ, the two appear to have returned from a hike, judging by their sweaty outfits and looks.
For the sunny affair, Henson wore an all-black ensemble that gave viewers a glimpse of her toned stomach. The 52-year-old rocked a sports bra over a matching pair of sweatpants and tied a jacket around her waist.
The mother of one added a sporty look with a black fan pack and sneakers. She tied a blue bandana around her head while her black hair was pulled into a high bun. For a final touch, the Washington native wore sunglasses and carried a water barrel in one hand.
Meanwhile, Smollett opted for the same style with a blue tank top, black shorts and white sneakers while a gray tee was wrapped around his neck. He wore a brown newsboy cap over his dark curls and shielded his eyes from the sun with sunglasses. Like his former colleague, the 41-year-old stayed hydrated with a drink in hand.
After the supposed hike, the sweaty pair reenergized at the pop-in restaurant before ending their reunion with a sweet hug outside the establishment. The two’s workout session comes a year after the “No Good Deed” actor considered Smollett’s sentence for his alleged hate crime fraud.
In 2022, the Californian received a 150-day jail sentence after being convicted of five of six disorderly conduct charges for filing a false police report. The guilty verdict resulted from “The Mighty Ducks” actor’s inconsistent recollection of the incident.
Prosecutors argued that the entertainer had enlisted the help of his attacker to carry out the crime, and the jury agreed with that notion. In addition to his prison term, Smollett received 30 months of probation and was ordered to pay more than $120,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago and a $25,000 fine.
Jussie Smollett Ends Rehearsal with Taraji P. Henson with a Goodbye Hug https://t.co/TFvwgQvFtK
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 10, 2023
Following the announcement of her decision, Henson took to Instagram with “#FREEJUSSIE” and a passionate message about the performer’s situation. In the caption of his post, the 52-year-old said his on-screen son’s “punishment doesn’t fit the crime”.
The Washington native compared the actor’s case to that of Emmett Till. The 14-year-old was brutally murdered in 1955 after a white woman named Carolyn Bryant lied about a crime. Noting that Smollett harmed no one with his alleged lies, the mother of one wrote:
“No one was injured or killed during Jussie’s ordeal. He had lost everything, EVERYTHING! For me, as an artist, not being able to create is punishment enough in itself.”
NAACP Image Award Winner Appeals His 150-Day Jail Sentence
Months before reuniting with Henson in LA, the “FUW” artist made headlines for defying a 150-day jail sentence handed down for his alleged hate crime in 2019. The BET Award nominee served six days in jail before being released pending his appeal.
According to court documents filed in the First Judicial District of the State of Illinois, Smollett’s attorney Heather Widell cited two dangers. The legal representative claims the California native was “punished for the same offense with the performance of community service and the forfeiture of his bond.”
Under the law of “double jeopardy,” the 41-year-old’s defense team insisted the actor should not be convicted after the first charge against him was dismissed. Additionally, they argued that the $120,000 compensation to the Chicago Police Department was invalid.
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Fox’s alum attorney insists the police department is not a “victim” under Illinois law; therefore, the restitution order should be quashed. Smollett’s team also came after Judge James Linn, who they accused of using a “tone of personal vendetta” during their client’s sentencing.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
