RT.com
03 Dec 2021, 11:42 GMT+10
Attorneys for Jussie Smollett have accused a trial judge of attempting to ?lunge? at members of the defense team and 'snarling? during testimony, requesting a mistrial in an increasingly bizarre case.
A hectic exchange ensued between defense lawyer Tamara Walker and Judge James Linn on Thursday after the attorney questioned a top prosecution witness, Olabinjo Osundairo, who claims he was paid by Smollett to "fake beat him up" in order to fabricate a 'hate crime' against the actor. When Walker shifted focus to allegedly homophobic tweets posted by Osundairo, Linn deemed the line of questioning "collateral" to the case, apparently setting off the attorney.
Briefly ushering the jury out of the courtroom for a sidebar, Walker called for a mistrial, arguing that Osundairo's purported bigotry was central to Smollett's defense and that Linn potentially misled jurors in deeming it insignificant. She also told the judge "You did physically lunge at me," while fellow defense lawyer Heather Widell stated that she "noticed snarls" from Linn "multiple times" throughout Thursday's testimony.
A Chicago Tribune reporter covering the trial live, Megan Crepeau, noted that Linn appeared "furious" following the allegations, which he denied entirely. He similarly shut down the mistrial request, though did later tell jurors to disregard his use of terms like "focus" and "collateral," saying "it's just me talking to lawyers."
The Smollett trial has had a number of strange moments since kicking off earlier this week, including earlier on Thursday when another defense lawyer, Shay Allen, claimed that the 'Empire' star was in a sexual relationship with Ola Osundario's brother, Abimbola - who also testified that Smollett paid him to set up a fake crime. Abimbola repeatedly denied the charge, saying the two were merely friends despite Allen's insistence otherwise.
While the defense has argued that Smollett is the "real victim" in the case and that the Osundario brothers had genuine ill intent toward him, prosecutors say there is strong evidence that the 'hate crime' was staged. Smollett is alleged to have directed the brothers to pose as Donald Trump supporters and set up a false 'attack,' even affixing a rope to his neck to give the appearance of an attempted lynching.
The 'Empire' actor was charged with six counts of felony disorderly conduct after police in Chicago spent thousands of man hours investigating the case, which could result in a three-year prison sentence.
READ MORE: Defense attorney names 'real victim' in Jussie Smollett case as trial begins
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Chicago Chronicle news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Chicago Chronicle.
More InformationREDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Some 32 percent of global semiconductor production could face climate change-related copper supply disruptions...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) The Minnesota Twins will try to make it three series victories in a row when they take...
(Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images) Cody Bellinger spent the past two years rejuvenating his career with the Chicago Cubs....
(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) Cody Bellinger hit three homers for the first time in his career and drove in six runs,...
(Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images) Mike Tauchman delivered a game-ending infield single in the 11th inning and Lenyn Sosa homered...
Washington, DC [US], July 12 (ANI): The Beatles legend Paul McCartney is hitting the road again. The singer-songwriter has announced...