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Jussie Smollett's brother claims the actor is in a 'psych ward' in jail

Jocqui Smollett said his brother is not at risk of harming himself and should not be on a psychiatric hold.
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Jussie Smollett's brother claimed Sunday on Instagram that the actor was being held in a "psych ward" in jail.

Jocqui Smollett posted to his brother's account, which is being run by his family, to share the assertion with his followers.

"So Jussie is currently in a psych ward at Cook County Jail. What's very concerning is there was a note attached to his paperwork today and put on the front of his jail cell saying that he's at risk of self-harm," Jocqui Smollett said in the video.

He said his brother is no at risk of causing harm to himself.

"He is very stable. He is very strong. He is very healthy and ready to take on the challenge that has ultimately has been put up against him," Jocqui Smollett said.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office did not immediately reply to a request for comment about Jussie Smollett's status.

Jocqui Smollett thanked Jussie's supporters, encouraging them to share facts about his case on social media, and professed that his brother is innocent.

Smollett, 39, was found guilty of five of the six charges against him, including felony disorderly conduct. He was found not guilty of aggravated battery.

The charges stemmed from a January 2019 report in which Smollett alleged that he had been brutally assaulted in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood.

Smollett, who is Black and gay, said two men punched him, kicked him, used racist and homophobic slurs, threw a chemical in his face and wrapped a noose around his neck.

The police investigation led to the arrests of brothers Abimbola and Olabingo Osundairo, who were released. Smollett was then arrested on Feb. 21, 2019.

Authorities said at the time that Smollett had recruited the brothers to stage an attack to advance his career, a claim he denies.

Last month, Smollett filed paperwork seeking a new trial.

Smollett's siblings have continued to defend their brother.

His sister, actress Jurnee Smollett, wrote on Instagram that her brother is innocent and should be released.

“Jussie is innocent. And … you don’t have to believe in his innocence to believe he should be free," she wrote.