Jussie Smollett took the stand in own defense Monday (December 6) as the trial regarding the alleged 2019 attack against the actor continues into its second week.
Last week, aspiring actor Abimbola Osundairo testified Smollett paid him and his brother to stage a homophobic and racist attack against him for money. Osundairo told the jury he felt somewhat indebted to Smollett for helping kickstart his acting career.
The witness went on to describe in detail how Smollett allegedly instructed him and his brother to attack him –– everything from how to throw the punches to where to go on the night of the attack –– and said Jussie even had him send a text to show support to Jussie the following morning after news of the attack broke.
What Jussie Said In His Defense
According to media correspondents inside the courtroom, Jussie testified that the first night he met Osundairo, the two did cocaine and weed before going to a club and then a bath house together.
"There was some touching," Smollett said in court.
According to The Chicago Tribune, the actor's testimony might be a strategy to suggest the brothers carried out the attack for reasons outside of the previously suggested attempt by Smollett to get the attention of the chiefs of Empire.
Jussie continued testifying about his relationship with Osundairo, whom he called "Bon" from the stand. According to the actor, "Bon" would accompany Jussie as he drove around smoking blunts –– a part of Jussie's creative process, he said. When asked how often Osundairo came along, the actor replied, "too many to count."
Jussie said he developed the habit of driving around smoking weed to avoid being approached by fans. "You couldn't just walk down the street," he testified.
Additionally, Jussie said he couldn't trust Bon's brother, Olabinjo, whom he referred to as "Ola."
"He kind of creeped me out," Jussie testified. "Every time we were around him, he didn't speak to me. Every time we needed to leave, he made it seem like we needed to sneak off."
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.