Cook county Jail officials responded to Jussie Smollett’s “suicide” comments by wiring his cell with cameras 24/7. Additionally an officer with a body-worn camera is stationed at the entrance of the cell to observation Smollett at all times, according to The NY Post.
In a statement to The Post, a representative for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, said:
“As with all detained persons, Mr. Smollett is entitled to have substantial time out of his cell in the common areas on the tier where he is housed, where he is able to use the telephone, watch television, and interact with staff. During such times out of cell, other detainees will not be present in the common areas. These protocols are routinely used for individuals ordered into protective custody who may potentially be at risk of harm due to the nature of their charges, their profession or their noteworthy status.
“The safety and security of all detained individuals, including Mr. Smollett, is the Sheriff’s Office’s highest priority.”
The disgraced actor shouted “I’m not suicidal! I’m innocent!” in the courtroom after Judge James Linn sentenced Smollett to 150 days in jail and ordered him to pay $120,106 in restitution for lying to Chicago police.
The outcome of the sentencing hearing was not what the “Empire” actor had expected. Smollett, 39, was visibly shaken and agitated as sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers led him out of the courtroom.
