Smollett Quiet After Posting Bond, Leaving Jail

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett leaves Cook County jail following his release in Chicago on Feb. 21, 2019. Kamil Krzaczynski/AP Photo

CHICAGO—“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has been released from jail after posting bond on Feb. 21.

Smollett walked out of the Cook County jail in Chicago on Thursday about two hours after a hearing in which the judge set his bond at $100,000.

The actor walked out in a group of people and to a waiting SUV. He didn’t speak to the large media contingent waiting outside.

Smollett is charged with felony disorderly conduct.

Jussie Smollett in a Feb. 21, 2019, mugshot. Chicago Police Department via AP

Police allege that Smollett hired two brothers to help stage the attack, which he described to police as racist and homophobic in nature.

Smollett’s lawyers said at the hearing that the actor denies the allegations against him.

Prosecutors say “Empire” actor Jussie 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.

Abel Osundairo, left, and his brother Ola Osundairo, in a file photo. The Nigerian brothers were arrested in connection with the alleged attack on “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett but were released after reportedly telling detectives Smollett paid them to stage the attack. Team Abel/Instagram

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.

The 36-year-old actor said little other than giving his name at the beginning of Thursday’s hearing.

Smollett’s attorney asked Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. to release Smollett on his own recognizance. However, the judge said that would be inappropriate.

Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson speaks during a press conference at CPD headquarters, in Chicago, on Feb. 21, 2019, after actor Jussie Smollett turned himself in on charges of disorderly conduct and filing a false police report. Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP

TNT says it isn’t going to air an upcoming episode of “Drop the Mic” featuring “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett “in the interest of not being exploitative of an incredibly sensitive situation.”

The cable network issued a statement Thursday saying it is shelving the episode of the battle-rap show that pitted Smollett against “Orange is the New Black” actress Danielle Brooks and “American Idol” star Clay Aiken against “Sharknado” star Ian Ziering. It will instead air an episode that pitted actress Raven Simon against comedian Ron Funches and boy band singers Joey McIntyre and Joey Fatone against one another.

Left, Jussie Smollett, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard appear in a scene from "Empire." Smollett, who alleges he was the victim of a brutal racial and homophobic attack, is a former child star who grew up to become a champion of LGBT rights and one of the few actors to play a black gay character on primetime TV. Chuck Hodes/FOX via AP