Jussie Smollett has pleaded not guilty to 16 counts after filing a false police report about being attacked earlier last month.

He was accompanied by some, but not all of his family and said nothing as he strode quickly into the courthouse wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Yesterday, Smollet spoke during his court hearing proceedings  only to say:

not guilty

He was searched by security before entering the courtroom. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 48 years behind bars.

Smollett, who insists he is innocent, is accused of paying brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo to attack him on January 29.

Foxx said she was 'trying' and had spoken to Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnston to try to 'convince' him to let the FBI take the lead on the investigation.

Ultimately, the case did not move on to the FBI because there was not enough evidence that Smollett had been the victim of a hate crime as he claimed.

The 36-year-old actor will return to court in April and will be allowed to travel between New York City and Los Angeles to meet with lawyers.

-Daily Mail.