Jussie Smollett: Empire actor makes 'emergency' court appearance in Chicago
Empire actor and attorneys are reportedly set to speak to the press
Jussie Smollett is making an "emergency court appearance" in Chicago, according to local media reports.
The Empire actor, who has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of lying to authorities about being the victim of a racist, homophobic attack, is appearing at the at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse this Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
A spokesperson told the publication that Smollett and his attorneys will speak to the press following the hearing.
It wasn't immediately clear what the purpose of the emergency court session was.
Smollet entered a not guilty plea earlier this month after being charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct.
His next court date was originally scheduled for 17 April, before today's emergency hearing.
Prosecutors have alleged that Smollett staged his own attack because he was dissatisfied with his salary and trying to further his career through publicity.
Smollett has maintained his innocence and his legal team has referred to the charges against him as "prosecutorial overkill".
The last time the Empire actor publicly spoke to the press dates back to February, when he told Robin Roberts on Good Morning America that he was angry at those doubting his account of the alleged attack.