CHICAGO – American actor Jussie Smollett, 39, who was accused of making a false statement to police, has been convicted of most of the charges.

Jurors in the Chicago trial reached the verdict after two days of deliberations, CNN reported Thursday. The judge must determine the verdict at a later time. The actor faces imprisonment and a fine.

Alleged attack on Smollett

The accusations accused the former star of the American series “Empire” of faking a racist and anti-gay attack directed against him. The case that made headlines began in January 2019 when Smollett told police that he was attacked by two masked men one night near his home. The actor was later arrested on charges of giving false testimony. According to investigators, he reportedly paid the men to fake the attack on him. She said the gay and African American actor wanted to further his career.

Smollett denied the allegations in court. He said in the witness stand during the trial that he did not cheat or stage any attack. However, two men testified that the actor paid them to fake the incident.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 211210-99-325850 / 2