Jurnee Smollett has insisted her brother, Jussie Smollett, should not be in jail.
Jurnee Smollett has defended her brother
The former ‘Empire’ star was found guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct in December put against him after lying to police after claiming to be the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in March 2019 and on Thursday (10.03.22), the 39-year-old actor was jailed for 150 days, ordered to pay over $120,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine and placed on probation for 30 months.
And now, his younger sister has spoken out and suggested he was only given a prison sentence because of his race.
The 'Lovecraft Country' actress wrote on Instagram: “Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at nearly five times the rate of White Americans. Jussie is innocent.
“And…you don’t have to believe in his innocence to believe he should be free. #FreeJussie #StopLockingUpOurPeople (sic)"
The 35-year-old actress' comments come after a number of her siblings defended Jussie outside the Chicago courthouse after he was sentenced.
Jazz Smollett, 41, insisted her brother is innocent and blasted his treatment throughout the case.
She said: "This should not be a controversial statement because it is the absolute truth.
"What should be controversial is the entire miscarriage of justice his whole ordeal has been.
"I pray the peace of God over my brother and all victims of oppression and hate. I pray that we can do better as a world."
Her brother, Jocqui Smollett, 32, insisted their sibling is a "complete victim" and believes the outcome will discourage others from reporting hate crimes in future.
He said: "Do people never once think, even the folks who are naysayers, do you ever once think, 'What happens if he's telling the truth?'
"Do y'all ever think about how poorly you feel in that situation? He's in jail for five months, that is unacceptable, for being attacked.
"He's a survivor and he's completely mistreated. And this has to stop.""This should not be a controversial statement because it is the absolute truth.
"What should be controversial is the entire miscarriage of justice his whole ordeal has been.
"I pray the peace of God over my brother and all victims of oppression and hate. I pray that we can do better as a world."
Meanwhile, Jussie's older brother, 44-year-old Jojo Smollett, accused the judge of "shaming" the actor.
He said: "[The judge] shamed my brother, he spoke about his arrogance. He doesn't know the struggles my brother is encountering. He doesn't know anything that he's dealing with.
"In 2022, we don't shame people like this. Alright? He basically called him a mental case."
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