Nearly three years after Jussie Smollett was accused of faking a hate crime, the former Empire actor is one step closer to facing trial on six charges of disorderly conduct.A judge has dismissed a request by Smollett to have his case thrown out relating to allegations that he staged a racist and homophobic attack in 2019, then lied to police about it.To recap, the actor said he was the victim of a violent attack at the hands of brothers Ola and Abel Osundario, who would later say they were paid $3,000 by Smollett to participate.
They claimed the plot related to Smollett being dissatisfied with his Empire salary.Related: Jussie Smollett’s sister slams hoax allegations: “I believe my brother”In 2020, Smollett pleaded not guilty to the six.