Jussie Smollett Attorney Accuses Judge Of Lunging At Her, Requests Mistrial

BYErika Marie8.4K Views
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Jussie Smollett
During a sidebar, Tamara Walker claimed that Judge James Linn "physically lunged" at her. She reportedly left the courtroom in tears.

This holiday season has been filled with controversial cases. There was the Kyle Rittenhouse acquittal, the convictions related to Ahmaud Arbery's murder, and now Jussie Smollett is having his day in court. The actor is accused of wasting the Chicago Police Department's time and resources by allegedly staging an assault for publicity, and it is an accusation that Smollett has denied for years.

This case has taken a turn now that Smollett's attorney reportedly called for a mistrial. According to the New York Post, Tamara Walker claims that while questioning Olabinjo Osundairo, one of the brothers who claim Smollett hired them, about his reportedly past use of homophobic language, the judge shut down the defense.

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Judge James Linn reportedly dismissed the line of questioning and Walker asked for a sidebar. She alleges that Linn "physically lunged" at her during the chat and witnesses stated that Walker looked as if she was on the verge of tears. The remaining members of Smollett's legal team requested the mistrial. They were denied.

“When you said the word mistrial on these grounds, frankly I was stunned you’d even consider a mistrial based on this,” Linn said, denying that he lunged at the attorney. “I marched right back behind my bench."

Heather Widell, another attorney, claimed that Linn has used nonverbal indicators in front of the jury, including "snarling" when sustaining objections from the prosecution. 

 

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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