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Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett's lawyers are demanding his release from jail, at least while his appeal plays out, claiming he risks being harmed every second he stays behind bars.
His team filed an emergency motion yesterday asking a judge to release Jussie from behind bars while his appeal is pending. They argue that the potential cons of him staying locked up in jail far outweigh any benefits.
Jussie’s family has received harassing messages and phone calls aimed at Jussie. They say it represents the harm that might actually happen if he remains locked up.
There's other reasons they say he should be out. They attached a sworn affidavit from a doctor who states Jussie is at a higher risk of catching COVID due to a compromised immune system, while citing positive case rates in jails and prisons across the country.
Jussie's lawyers argue that because he's being held in protective custody, his mental health will deteriorate.
Source: TMZ.
Photo Credit: Brian Cassella-Pool/Getty Images.