Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was back at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago to plead “not guilty” to staging an attack on himself in 2019.

Special prosecutor Dan Webb announced six counts of disorderly conduct against Smollet earlier this month, but this may just the start of a long legal battle.

Smollett’s legal team said they are not going to negotiate a plea deal with Webb, and they intend to take the case to trial if necessary. Smollett’s attorneys also filed a motion with the Illinois Supreme Court requesting Dan K. Webb’s appointment as a prosecutor and the indictment be thrown out, calling it invalid due to double jeopardy.

Smollett’s entourage was with him, including members of his family and some bodyguards. The Osundairo brothers, Abel and Ola, were also in the courtroom. The brothers, who were allegedly paid $3,500 for their part in the staged hate crime, commented they were there to “support the process.”

The Osundairos brothers told TMZ last week, they were praying for “Jussie to finally tell the truth,” and they are willing to cooperate with authorities and “will do what needs to be done.”

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Smollett is also facing a civil case in which the city of Chicago is seeking reimbursement for $130,000 spent on investigations and others costs reportedly total close to $500,000, according to Fox News.

In late January 2019, Smollett told police he received a threatening letter, and one week later, he was the victim of a bizarre hate crime.

Smollett reported two men with ski masks attacked him, poured a chemical on him, and put a noose around his neck as they yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him.

Smollett was indicted with 16 felony counts by a Cook County grand jury, but a month later, State Attorney for Cook County Kim Foxx dismissed the charges without any explanation. Smollett agreed to perform 16 hours of community service and surrender his $10.000 bail.

Special Prosecutor Dan Webb was assigned by Judge Toomin to investigate why the charges were filed and then dropped against Smollett.

Smollett’s next hearing date is scheduled for March 18.

Tell us what you think will come of this.