Smollett Makes 'Emergency Court Appearance' in Chicago
NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed when Smollett and his attorneys speak after court. Watch live in the player above.
Jussie Smollett made an "emergency court appearance" in Chicago Tuesday.
Details on why Smollett was in court weren't immediately known but the appearance was confirmed by a spokesperson for his attorneys.
Anne Kavanaugh said the appearance involved a big development in the case but could not offer further details.
The hearing was set for 10 a.m. CT and no cameras were allowed in court.
Smollett and his lawyers were expected to speak after the hearing.
Smollett's attorney Mark Geragos was recently identified as a co-conspirator in an extortion complaint against Michael Avenatti, according to sources familiar with the case.
Both Geragos and his firm declined comment to NBC News.
In a statement, Geragos' attorney said: "It is important to note that Mr Geragos has not been charged with any criminal conduct whatsoever."
Smollett pleaded not guilty to multiple disorderly conduct charges earlier this month. He was granted permission to travel to New York and California, where his attorneys' offices are located.
Smollett's lawyer Tina Glandian requested that the next court date, for discovery, be "as soon as possible." Watkins, prosecutors and Smollett's legal team agreed on the morning of April 17 for his next court appearance.
Smollett was initially charged with one felony count of disorderly conduct in filing a false police report in February, with Chicago police alleging that he staged a hate crime attack on himself the month before because he was "dissatisfied with his salary."
A Cook County grand jury then indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts last Friday in connection with his reporting of the alleged attack he claimed to have suffered in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood.
from NBC New York - Top Stories https://ift.tt/2UUJQZX
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