Jussie Smollett speaks ahead of court hearing, judge does not deliver a decision
CHICAGO - Jussie Smollett's hearing took all day and was closed to the public, so little was revealed about what went on in inside the courtroom on Wednesday.
The judge also did not make a ruling.
The actor did respond to a couple questions before the hearing.
The former Empire actor arrived at the Cook County courthouse for his 10 a.m. hearing, and was asked by a FOX reporter if he maintained his innocence.
"Absolutely, always," said Smollett.
The FOX reporter then asked, "What's going to be the outcome of this case?" To which Smollett replied, "It's a dog and pony show."
The hearing on Wednesday was not regarding the charges Smollett faces with the downtown Chicago attack, but whether or not one of his attorneys has a conflict of interest and if they should continue to represent the actor.
Nenye Uche is being accused of talking to two key witnesses, the Osundairo brothers, early on in the case about possible representation.
Uche has denied the communication.
Prosecutors say Abel and Ola Osundairo were paid by Smollett in January of 2019 to carry out an attack that the actor claimed was a racist and homophobic hate crime.
Neither Smollett nor his attorneys spoke after the hearing.
Special prosecutor Dan Webb also refused the request for comment.
The Osundairo brothrers' attorney did speak and said she believes Uche will be out and the judge's ruling will side with them.
"I think it will be in our favor. I think there will be a disqualification. I think enough proof was laid out today to support our position," said Osundairos' attorney, Gloria Rodriguez.
Smollett faces disorderly conduct charges pertaining to false police reports. He has pled not guilty.
The next court date is set for Aug. 2.