Andre Hope, the only Black juror in Jussie Smollett's recent trial, spoke out about the case, and he admits that he's still unsure why Smollett staged the attack. Hope explained, "I still have not figured out a motive for why he did, why this had to even happen. He was a star."
While speaking about the evidence presented during the trial, Hope questioned why Smollett still had the noose around his neck when police came to speak to him about the attack. Hope stated, "As an African American person, I’m not putting that noose back on at all." Speaking more about the evidence presented, Hope said that "it just didn't add up" that the Osundairo brothers planned the attack, as Smollett's attorneys claimed.
Jussie Smollett is facing three years in prison after being found guilty of lying to police about the attack, but experts believe the actor will be given probation and community service. Hope stated that he thinks that punishment is appropriate, and he added that he hopes Smollett can get a second chance with his acting career.
