Jussie Smollett: Actor hatched ‘secret plan’ for hate hoax

Jussie Smollett hatched a “secret plan” to concoct a hoax hate crime against himself, a court has heard on the opening day of the US TV actor’s trial.

Mr Smollett, 39, told police in January 2019 that he was attacked by two men who shouted pro-Trump slogans and tied a noose around his neck.

But his defence lawyers told the trial their client was “a real victim”.

Mr Smollett has denied wrongdoing. Fifteen jurors were chosen earlier on Monday to hear the case.