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CHICAGO (AP) — Jussie Smollett was convicted on charges that he lied to Chicago police when the former “Empire” actor and R&B singer reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack nearly three years ago. Some key moments in the story:

Jan. 22, 2019

— Smollett receives a racist and homophobic threatening letter at the studio in Chicago where “Empire” is filmed. Police later say they believe Smollett sent the letter himself.

Jan. 29, 2019

— Jussie Smollett by two men in downtown Chicago at 2 a.m. The actor says the men used racist and homophobic slurs, wrapped a rope around his neck and poured an “unknown substance” on him. Police say Smollett, who is Black and gay, told detectives the attackers also yelled he was in “MAGA country,” an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan that some Trump critics call racist and discriminatory.

Jan. 30, 2019

— Chicago police say they’ve reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance camera footage, including of Smollett walking downtown, but none shows the attack. Police obtain and they want to question, calling them “persons of interest.”

— Reports of an assault on Smollett draw outrage and support for him on social media from some politicians and celebrities.

Jan. 31, 2019

— Smollett’s calling the attack a hate crime and disputing claims that he changed his story.

Feb. 1, 2019

— Smollett saying he’s OK, that he’s working with authorities and has been “100 percent factual and consistent on every level.”

Feb. 2, 2019

— Smollett opens with an emotional speech, saying he had to play the show because he couldn’t let his attackers win.

Feb. 13, 2019

— Chicago police pick up two brothers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after police learn at least one worked on “Empire.” Police question the men, who were returning to Chicago from Nigeria, and search their apartment.

Feb. 15, 2019

— Chicago police after arresting them on suspicion of assault and holding them for nearly 48 hours. A police spokesman says they’re no longer suspects.

Feb. 16, 2019

— Police say the after detectives questioned the brothers, and request a follow-up interview with Smollett. His lawyers say he feels “victimized” by reports that he played a role in the assault.

Feb. 17, 2019

— Chicago police reach out to Smollett’s attorney saying they him again because new information has “shifted” their investigation.

Feb. 19, 2019

— Chicago’s top prosecutor, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, recuses herself from the investigation. Her office says the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution … to address potential questions of impartiality based upon familiarity with potential witnesses in the case.”

Feb. 20, 2019

— Prosecutors for filing a false police report about the alleged attack.

Feb. 21, 2019

— Chicago police say Smollett surrenders to face a felony charge of disorderly conduct, punishable by up to three years in prison.

— says Smollett staged the attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted publicity. Investigators say they have a $3,500 check that Smollett used to pay the two brothers to help him.

Feb. 22, 2019

— “Empire” producers say Smollett’s from the final two episodes of the season.

March 7, 2019

— A Cook County grand jury returns a 16-count indictment charging Smollett with falsely reporting an offense.

March 26, 2019

— Smollett’s attorneys say charges alleging he lied to police

March 28, 2019

— A city official says from Smollett to cover the cost of the investigation into his reported beating, which police say was staged.

April 11, 2019

— The city of seeking to recoup the investigation costs.

April 15, 2019

— The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office releases in the Smollett case in response to open records requests, including a text from Foxx calling Smollett a “washed up celeb” who was overcharged.

April 23, 2019

— The brothers who said they helped Smollett stage the attack against the actor’s attorneys.

Aug. 23, 2019

— Judge as special prosecutor to investigate why charges against Smollett were dropped.

Feb. 11, 2020

— Webb says against Smollett, accusing him of lying to police.

Feb. 24, 2020

— Smollett .

Oct. 15, 2021

— Judge James Linn against Smollett and sets his trial for Nov. 29.

Nov. 29, 2021

— with jury selection and opening statements from lawyers.

Dec. 6, 2021

— Smollett .

Dec. 8, 2021

— The in Smollett’s trial.

Dec. 9, 2021

— A jury on five counts of disorderly conduct, and acquits him on a sixth count.

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Check out the of the Jussie Smollett case.