Jussie Smollett, a former television actor, was convicted Thursday in Chicago of charges resulting from a hate crime he initially claimed to have been the victim of in a contentious case.

Three years ago, Smollett, an openly gay Black actor who was then starring in the blockbuster musical drama "Empire," reported to police that he had been called a homophobic slur and had a noose placed around his neck by guys wearing the red hats worn by followers of then-President Donald Trump.

Police investigated the matter and discovered that he had allegedly hired two fellow cast members to fabricate the crime.

A jury in Chicago agreed on Thursday. Smollett stood stone-faced in front of the jury as he was found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for each time he allegedly lied to police.

Smollett was found not guilty of a sixth offense.

What transpired during the trial?

Following a one-week trial, the jury returned their decision after just over nine hours of deliberation on Wednesday and Thursday.

Smollett's sentencing date is unknown, but a post-trial hearing was planned for late January.

Disorderly conduct is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison, though experts believe Smollett will likely receive probation and community service instead.

Following Smollett's conviction on Thursday, his attorney stated that he was "100 percent innocent." He further noted that the sentence would be reversed on appeal.

The reason for faking the incident three years ago remains unknown.