American actor Jussie Smollett, popularly known for his character Jamal Lyon in the popular music series “Empire”, has been arraigned for filing a false report after faking a hate crime three years ago.

The actor made his first appearance in court for the hate crime trial on November 29 in Chicago.

According to the police, on January 29, 2019, Mr Smollett reported that he was physically attacked by two men who tied his neck and poured an unknown substance on him while insulting him with racial and homophobic slurs.

The actor was hospitalised after the attack, and was sympathised with by many fans and friends who publicly campaigned for his justice, including former President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the experience was indeed “horrible”.

However, as proper investigation commenced, the police discovered that the actor may have orchestrated his own attack to take “advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career,” Chicago police said.

According to the police, the two attackers Abimbola Osundairo and Olabinjo Osundairo, who were found after surveillance footage was pulled out eventually confessed.

The attackers are Nigerian brothers who were hired on January 25, 2019, by the actor and paid $3500 to fake his attack.

Phone records also proved the attackers communicated with Mr Smollett shortly before the attack.

Mr Smollett took to social media platforms to apologise to his fans and friends for the “embarrassment”, but insisted on his innocence in the crime.

The empire star has now appeared in court for his first trial facing six potential jurors.