Jussie Smollett has left the psych ward at Cook Country Jail, which his brother says was only possible because of his fans.
Jocqui Smollett thanked the public on Monday on social media for their support, after their pressure reportedly got him out of a restrained bed and into a normal one.
Taking to social media to praise the ‘Free Jussie’ movement, he said: ‘Cook County doesn’t really move until they get bad publicity, keep continuing to call Cook County Jail checking in on him and keep saying that you believe he should be free.’
Jocqui went on to say that, since he believes the pressure added on the county is what got Jussie moved from the ward, continued force could free home completely.
Confirming that the actor’s situation had changed, a rep for the Sheriff’s office told TMZ: ‘Mr. Smollett’s housing unit was changed Monday to a different cell within Division 8. He was moved from that cell because Cermak Health Services needed his cell for another detained person. This was a decision made by the medical professionals. Mr. Smollett was never restrained to a bed or anything else in the cell. The bed was never equipped with restraints.’
They continued: ‘Mr. Smollett remains housed in his own cell with officers stationed at the open door to his cell to ensure that he is under direct observation at all times. As with all detained persons, Mr. Smollett is entitled to have substantial time out of his cell in the common areas on the tier where he is housed.’
TMZ originally reported that Jussie was put in a psych ward because the area houses high-profile inmates, according to law enforcement sources.
His brother Jocqui claimed on Sunday that the actor has since been transferred to a ‘psych ward’ due to prison officers being worried about him ‘self-harming.’
He was concerned immediately, saying he didn’t believe the paperwork.
However, the jail later denied the allegations and continued to insist Jussie was in his own cell.
Reiterating a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for Cook County Jail told Metro.co.uk: ‘Mr Smollett is not being held in solitary confinement. The use of solitary confinement was abolished at the Cook County Jail in 2016, and any claims that he is being held in this manner is false.
‘Mr Smollett is being housed in his own cell, which is monitored by security cameras in the cell and by an officer wearing a body worn camera who is stationed at the entrance of the cell to ensure that Mr Smollett is under direct observation at all times.’
They continued: ‘As with all detained persons, Mr Smollett is entitled to have substantial time out of his cell in the common areas on the tier where he is housed, where he is able to use the telephone, watch television, and interact with staff. During such times out of cell, other detainees will not be present in the common areas.
‘These protocols are routinely used for individuals ordered into protective custody who may potentially be at risk of harm due to the nature of their charges, their profession, or their noteworthy status. The safety and security of all detained individuals, including Mr Smollett, is the Sheriff’s Office’s highest priority.’
Jussie even explained, repeatedly in court, that he is not a suicidal person.
The Empire actor was sentenced to 150 days in jail last week after being found guilty of staging a hoax hate crime. He was immediately taken to jail.
In January 2019, he filed false police reports claiming to have been attacked by two men who he assumed were white. He alleged they shouted ‘this is MAGA country’ and even tied a noose around his neck.
Jussie was ordered to be placed under protective custody while serving his 5-month sentence , something requested by Jussie’s team.
In addition to jail time, he also was given 30 months of felony probation, $120K (£99k) in restitution, and $25K (£19k) in fines.
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