Empire

Smollett pleaded not guilty to lying about the attack, and has long said he was truthful about it.

But just before the ceremony began, the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared over Tokyo.

Smollett, who is black, gay and Jewish, had been written out of the final two episodes of the show’s fifth season.

The reason behind Akihito's abdication is his old age and declining health. Naruhito succeeds the Throne at the age of 59 after his father ruled for three decades.

Smollett briefly addressed reporters after the hearing, saying, "I've been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one."

Smollett had previously claimed that he believed the attackers were supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Jussie Smollett told an audience in southern California that he is “going to stand strong with y’all” in the wake of an assault that is being characterized as a hate crime.

Smollett was born to a Jewish father and African-American mother. In 2015, Smollett came out as gay.

The actor pleaded no contest to these charges, including a DUI and driving without a license, in 2007 and received two years probation for his actions.

Chicago police have yet to investigate Smollett a second time and can therefore neither confirm nor deny whether the allegations are true.