Jussie Smollett was spotted back on the “Empire” set within hours of being released on bail on Thursday.
The 36-year-old, who on Wednesday was indicted for disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report about a hate crime, plays musician Jamal Lyon on the hit Fox drama about a family at the summit of the hip-hop entertainment industry.
The show is wrapping up filming for its fifth season. Variety reports there is about an episode and a half left to film after Smollet was given a few days to deal with his legal situation.
Earlier in the day, the network behind the series said it was weighing its options in regards to Smollett.
“We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process,” 20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment said in a statement Thursday. “We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”
Smollett faces a felony charge of disorderly conduct and several years of prison time after he filed a police report claiming he was attacked by two men Jan. 29 in Chicago. Smollett, who is black and gay, claimed two white men yelled racist and homophobic slurs, tied a rope around his neck, and poured bleach on him.
Police said two people, Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo, who are black, were taken into custody and questioned by police about the alleged attack. Johnson said the brothers told police Smollett staged the attack because he was unhappy with his salary. Johnson also said the brothers participated in Smollett’s scheme because they were offered money: $3,500 before and another $500 after the alleged attack.
On Thursday, a judge set a $100,000 bond for Smollett as he awaits trial, and prosecutors released a four-page summary of his actions. That summary says it was Smollett’s idea to have one of his friends, Olabinjo Osundairo, indicate he was a supporter of President Trump during the fake attack. “Defendant Smollett also included that he wanted Ola to place a rope around his neck, pour gasoline on him and yell ‘This is MAGA Country,'” it said.
