Jussie Smollett Spotted Going Into Courthouse For Indictment Hearing W/ Family In Tow [VIDEO]

Jussie Smollett Spotted Going Into Courthouse For Indictment Hearing With Family In Tow [VIDEO]

Currently out on $100K bond, Empire star Jussie Smollett made his first public appearance since being indicted on 16 felony counts, stemming from allegedly faking a hate crime and filing a false police report. Smollett walked confidently into court with several members of his family right behind him for support.

Though he wasn’t required to attend, actor Jussie Smollett still confidently showed up at a recent hearing involving his indictment case at Chicago’s Cook County Courthouse. The hearing was only mandatory for Smollett’s attorney, Mark Geragos, who had to file the paperwork required to represent Smollett in the state of Illinois. Reportedly, Smollett decided to attend the court proceedings because he is committed to be an active participant in his defense case, not merely an observer.

During the court hearing, there was also a decision made regarding whether or not cameras will be permitted inside the courtroom for the next hearing. A judge officially ruled that cameras will be allowed inside the courtroom for Smollett’s next hearing, scheduled for March 14^th, a ruling which his attorneys were in agreement with in hopes to eliminate the “false information spread.”

The details state that, one still camera and one video camera will be allowed during Smollett’s court appearance, Chief Cook County Criminal Courts Judge LeRoy Martin Jr. decided. A trial judge will also have to rule whether or not cameras can be present for any future hearings in the case.

Smollett, dressed in a gray trench coat with accompanying gloves and aviator shades, had plenty of support with him as he walked into the courtroom. Several of his siblings can be seen walking with him as cameras flashed rapidly attempting to capture his every move.

EARLIER: Actor Jussie Smollett arrives for court in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/fn33kxb5K0

— The Hill (@thehill) March 12, 2019

Meanwhile, fans can catch Smollett on the small screen, as Empire returns for its second half of season 5 on March 13^th at 8PM on FOX.

Are your surprised Jussie Smollett showed up to court? Do you think cameras should be allowed inside the courtroom? Let us know in the comments.