Just FIVE DAYS into prison sentence Jussie Smollett says he wants out to due to Covid fears

In the fresh set of requests, actor Jussie Smollett’s family files for emergency release after Jussie says he is at risk of Covid in jail
UPDATED MAR 15, 2022
Former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building to hear the verdict in his trial on December 9, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)
Former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building to hear the verdict in his trial on December 9, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The ‘Marshal’ star is currently 5 days into his 75-day prison sentence and is now complaining about the possibility of contracting Covid-19 in jail. Jussie Smollett is also concerned about his mental health and is pressing to be let out of prison before his sentence.
 
Jussie’s family revealed that he is being held at the psych ward and that there was a note on his cell door in the medical unit of the Cook County Jail that claimed that he is at risk of self-harm. However, Jussie’s family denies that possibility referring to Jussie’s courtroom monologue where he assured that he wasn’t suicidal and if anything happened to him in jail, someone else would be responsible.

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The 39-year-old’s family has appealed again to release him. The family has submitted an emergency motion in the appellate court on Monday saying that Jussie should never have been convicted in the first place. The family still thinks that he didn’t deserve to go to jail even if the judge decides not to overturn Jussie’s conviction. The judge has not responded to the family’s appeals yet.
 
Jussie was sentenced to 150 days in prison but since he was granted a day for day eligibility he could get out of the jail in half the time that is around 75 days. After the actor’s sentencing, his family insisted Judge James Linn suspend his sentence and seconds later, apply a stay that would allow Jussie to spend one night at home. Both their requests however were rejected by Judge Linn saying 'This happens here and now.' The recent filing on Monday, March 14, to the appellate court also enclosed a letter from a doctor stating that the risk of Covid-19 is an added reason why he shouldn’t be in prison.
 
For the uninitiated, Jussie was found guilty on December 9, 2021, for staging a hate crime against himself. Prosecutors said that the one-time star of the TV drama 'Empire' committed the crime in an attempt to gain sympathy and boost his career. The Cook County Circuit Court jury deliberated for as many as nine hours. Smollett was found guilty of five of the six felony disorderly conduct counts he faced, one for each time he was accused of lying to police.

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