Jussie Smollett Released from Jail Pending Appeal

Jussie just got out of jail in Chicago and was escorted away into a waiting SUV by a bunch of security guards.

There was a media circus outside the Cook County Jail, with dozens of reporters and cameras waiting for Jussie to be released from custody, and he walked right by without saying a word.

The legal team for Jussie had a lot to say about the judge who sentenced him to jail.

When Jussie's lawyers talked to him through a glass barrier, it looked like he had given up and lost hope in the constitution.

Tina Glandian, one of Jussie's attorneys, told the website that they are pleased that he will be back with his family and loved ones.

While he tries to get his sentence for the hoax attack overturned, Jussie is going free.

During the appeal process, the appeals court ordered the release of Jussie. He will be released from the Cook County Jail on his own recognizance, but if he misses any future hearings it will cost him $150,000. It is not clear when he will be walking free.

The state isn't happy with the decision, and it doesn't like how Mr. Smollett makes only cursory, woefully undeveloped arguments. Each fails to show good cause to stay out of jail.

After the judge sentenced him to 5 months, Jussie yelled "I'm innocent" and raised his fist in the air as he was taken out of court in handcuffs.

His defense team and family members continued to press for his release. They said they had received racist and homophobic threats, and that Jussie was highly susceptible to contracting a disease while in jail.

The story is developing.

Originally published at 6:23 AM.