Trial of , Jussie <br />Smollett, Begins.<br />CNN reports the case concerning actor Jussie Smollett has reached the trial phase.<br />CNN reports the case concerning actor Jussie Smollett has reached the trial phase.<br />Once a rising star, Smollett is <br />accused of lying to police about an <br />altercation involving two men who attacked him in Chicago in 2019.<br />Once a rising star, Smollett is <br />accused of lying to police about an <br />altercation involving two men who attacked him in Chicago in 2019.<br />After investigation, authorities <br />claimed that Smollett had paid the <br />two men to stage the attack.<br />After investigation, authorities <br />claimed that Smollett had paid the <br />two men to stage the attack.<br />Chicago police say the former <br />"Empire" actor is guilty of playing the victim and that Smollett's allegations of hate crimes against him hold no merit.<br />Chicago police say the former <br />"Empire" actor is guilty of playing the victim and that Smollett's allegations of hate crimes against him hold no merit.<br />After performing community <br />service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond, <br />the Cook County State's Attorney's Office <br />dropped the charges against Smollett.<br />After performing community <br />service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond, <br />the Cook County State's Attorney's Office <br />dropped the charges against Smollett.<br />Facing allegations of preferential treatment, a judge appointed a special prosecutor to further investigate the case.<br />Facing allegations of preferential treatment, a judge appointed a special prosecutor to further investigate the case.<br />Facing a second grand jury in Feb. 2020, Smollett was indicted on the <br />charges he currently faces.<br />Smollett and his lawyers contend he did not stage the attack on himself.<br />Smollett and his lawyers contend he did not stage the attack on himself.<br />The actor is charged with six counts of disorderly conduct on suspicion of making false reports to the police.<br />The actor is charged with six counts of disorderly conduct on suspicion of making false reports to the police.<br />Jury selection commenced <br />on November 29
