Jussie Smollett’s lawyer welcomes cameras in courtroom

An attorney for Jussie Smollett says she wants cameras in the courtroom throughout the “Empire” actor’s trial so that the public “can see the evidence and the lack thereof.”

This Feb. 21, 2019 photo released by the Chicago Police Department shows Jussie Smollett. Image: Chicago Police Department via AP

Attorney Tina Glandian told Judge Leroy Martin during a brief hearing Tuesday in Chicago that a lot of misinformation has been leaked and that much of it “is actually demonstrably false.”

Both sides agreed to allow cameras in the courtroom on Thursday and Martin said the eventual trial judge will determine whether cameras will be allowed in the room during the trial.

Smollett is charged with 16 counts accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago. Police allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, staged the Jan. 29 attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday. NVG

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