Jussie Smollett has been released from custody after posting bond, which a judge set at US$100,000.
The Empire actor did not speak to reporters as he left Cook County jail in Chicago on Thursday afternoon.
During a bond hearing earlier that day, Smollett said little other than giving his name at the beginning.
Smollett’s lawyer had asked Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. to release Smollett on his own recognizance. The judge said that would be inappropriate.
Smollett is due back in court on March 14.
Prosecutors say Smollett gave detailed instructions to two brothers who helped him in a staged attack against him in downtown Chicago, including giving them specific slurs to yell and telling them to shout “MAGA country” and to drape a rope around his neck.
Assistant State’s Attorney Risa Lanier said at a news conference Thursday that Smollett even pointed out to the brothers a specific surveillance camera that he thought would capture footage of the Jan. 29 attack. Police say the camera was pointed another way during the staged attack.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says hate crimes will never be tolerated in Chicago and charges accusing Smollett “will never trump Chicago’s collective spirit.”
Emanuel says “no matter where you come from, who you love or how you pray you will always have a home” in Chicago.
The mayor also thanked police and business owners who offered surveillance video evidence to help investigators.
