Jussie Smollett has been placed in a psych ward at Cook County Jail, according to his brother.
On Thursday, the former “Empire” star was sentenced to 150 days in Cook County Jail after he was convicted of lying about being a victim of a hate crime.
After his sentencing, Jussie addressed the court saying:
I am not suicidal. I am innocent and I am not suicidal.
If I did this then it means that I stuck my fist in the fears of Black Americans in this country for over 400 years and the fears of the LGBTQ community.
Your honor, I respect you and I respect the jury, but I did not do this.
And I am not suicidal.
If anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself and you must all know that!
On Saturday, Jussie’s brother, Jocqui Smollett, posted a video update on Instagram informing the public that the actor had been placed in a psychiatric ward because they claim he is at risk for self-harm.
Jocqui said:
Jussie is currently in a psych ward at the Cook County Jail.
What’s very concerning is that there was a note attached to his paperwork today and put on the front of his jail cell saying that he’s at risk of self-harm.
I want to just make it clear to folks that he is in no way, shape, or form at risk of self-harm.
And he wants to let folks know that he is very stable, he is very strong, he is very healthy, and ready to take on the challenge that ultimately has been put up against him.
Watch the video below.
Jussie’s sister, Jurnee Smollett, also took to Instagram writing:
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.
See her original post below.
Despite his guilt or innocence, I pray for Jussie Smollett’s safety as he serves his time.
Your thoughts?
