Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2019 post, where she described Jussie Smollett as a victim of a “modern-day lynching,” remains accessible despite the actor’s unsuccessful conviction appeal on Friday. An Illinois appeals court upheld Smollett’s previous conviction on five charges of disorderly conduct in 2021. Despite claiming to be the target of a racist and homophobic attack, Smollett now faces the prospect of returning to prison.
The investigation into the incident revealed alleged planning by Smollett, leading to charges of orchestrating the attack and providing false information to the police. His sentencing includes 150 days in jail, 30 months of felony probation, a $120,106 restitution to the City of Chicago, and a $25,000 fine.
When the incident occurred, Harris, then a senator, expressed on X, later known as Twitter, her belief that Smollett is “one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know,” along with her prayers for his speedy recovery.
“This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate,” Harris wrote.
After Friday’s ruling, Holly Baird, a spokesperson for Smollett, informed Fox News Digital that the case would be taken to the Supreme Court for appeal.
“We wish to highlight that the decision was divided, with Justice Lyle offering a detailed analysis in favor of Smollett,” Baird said. “We are preparing to escalate this matter to the Supreme Court, armed with a substantial body of evidence.”
In a statement on Friday, Special Prosecutor Dan. K. Webb expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. Should Smollett’s subsequent appeal prove unsuccessful, he will be obligated to complete the remainder of his jail sentence.
