Judge weights in on US actor's alleged hate hoax

Friday, 22 February 2019 11:34

Jussie Smollett is being accused of filing a fake police report.

A judge has spoken strongly about allegations that a US actor staged a hoax hate crime against himself.

In a police report, Smollett claimed he was subject to a homophobic and racist assault.

Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke said the charges are "utterly outrageous" and "despicable" if they're true.

36-year-old Smolllett, who stars in the TV series Empire, is accused of carrying out the publicity stunt in a bid to advance his career and name.

His legal team say the accusations against him are an "organised law enforcement spectacle."

They also say he is "a young man of impeccable character."

More from Entertainment

Global Village opens Season 31 with drone show, choir performance

A spectacular drone show and a choir performance titled 'The Parade of the World' will welcome guests on the opening night of Global Village's Season 31 at 6 pm on Wednesday.
Ex-gang leader sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for Tupac murder

A former gang leader has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on Tuesday for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting death of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, capping the prosecution of a long-unsolved murder that shaped the golden age of rap music.
Turkish police raid opposition TV channel Halk TV

Turkish authorities have appointed a government trustee to run pro-opposition broadcaster Halk TV, as police raided the channel’s Istanbul office on Wednesday.
'Breaking Bad' actor, disability rights activist RJ Mitte dead at 34

Actor RJ Mitte, whose personal experience living with cerebral palsy informed his role as Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the landmark television series "Breaking Bad," has died on Monday at age 34.
Actor Selma Blair arrested and accused of abusing flight attendants

Actor Selma Blair has been arrested after flight attendants reported a "physically abusive passenger" on a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's police department said on Monday.

The Business Breakfast
6:00am - 10:00am

The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.
The Agenda
10:00am - 1:00pm

Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

On Dubai Eye

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!