Thread by @CharlieDeMar

Jussie Smollett arrives for the start of his trial. He’s facing felony disorderly conduct charges. Accused of staging his own attack in 2019. Jury selection begins today. @cbschicago #smollett #Smolletttrial

Judge James Linn told prospective jurors that he intends the jury to be selected today and that he anticipates opening statements/evidence to also begin today. Jury should expect to work until about 7pm everyday and trial should wrap this week or early next week.#jussiesmollett

Potential jurors were asked a series of questions .Jury still not seated

Have they watched Empire? Have they watched TMZ? Have they been a victim of a hate crime? Are they a member of a civil rights group or support defund the police movement or part of pro police organization.

A mix of a few potential jurors raised there hands saying they have seen Empire/TMZ.

One woman said when she found out that Smollett reported a hate crime that she did some research because her daughter is gay and was concerned for her safety.

When asked by the judge if she could be fair--she was not sure.

Judge Linn has conducted all of the questioning.

6 jurors seated so far. 4-men and 2-women.

13 jurors are selected. Alternates now being selected. @cbschicago #jussiesmollett

Now: Jury sworn in. Opening statements expected to begin at 4:45p central.

Special prosecutor Dan Webb now walking jury through case in his opening statements.

Explains to jury that evidence will show that Smollett orchestrated and falsely reported a hate crime

@cbschicago

Webb: Talking about how uncooperative Smollett was with investigators. Would not turn over cell phone and would not provide medical information. Webb says he didn't turn phone over because he didn't want police to see communication with brothers. #JussieSmollett

Webb wraps opening statement and now Attorney's for Jussie Smollett deliver opening statement #JussieSmollett

Nenye Uche: Talks about how the whole ordeal was a rush to judgment that ruined Jussie Smollett's life. Says brothers will get on stand and lie. @cbschicago

Uche: Jussie Smollett is a victim. There was a real attack. Possibly a third person involved Brothers did not like the Smollett. @cbschicago

Uche: Jussie Thought one of the brothers was a friend but it was a one way street. They pretended to like him. But they saw him as a target and a mark.

Uche: Check brothers received was for training and a meal plan. Jussie had an upcoming and wanted to look good. Tells jury- That's the world of entertainment

Uche: Osundairo brothers are "Sophisticated highly intelligent criminals."

Uche: When CPD raided brothers home "weapons of war" were taken. Along with drugs, multiple cell phones and computers. #JussieSmollett @cbschicago

Uche: Jury will not hear forensic evidence or electronic evidence linking Jussie to a hoax. #JussieSmollett @cbschicago

Uche: There's no motive in this case. He didn't feel like there was a lack of attention or that there was a lack of security. Jussie is not a person who likes attention. His publicist was upset with him over that. #JussieSmollett

Uche: Jussie didn't hand over his medical records because he is a celebrity and entertainer. @cbschicago #JussieSmollett

Uche: Jussie has never changed his story. Brothers have changed story several times and allowed to chit-chat and get story straight while being interrogated.

#JussieSmollett

Uche tells jury "just do your job."

Dan Webb objects.

Uche wraps.

Judge Linn dismissing jury for the day. #JussieSmollett #JussieSmolletttrial @cbschicago

As Soon as court dismissed, Jussie went right over to his mother and gave her an extended hug.