Several supporters spoke about worries that Smollett would be at risk in prison, specifically mentioning his race, sexual orientation and his family’s Jewish heritage.

The judge said he weighed all that into his decision.

But [Judge]Linn also excoriated Smollett as a narcissist and pronounced himself astounded by his actions given the actor’s multiracial family background and ties to social justice work.

“For you now to sit here, convicted of hoaxing, hate crimes ... the hypocrisy is just astounding,” Linn said.

This case has a long history. It was settled by the Cook's County District Attorney but she writes here, "mob justice" took over and Jesse was indicted and millions of dollars that could have been better spent elsewhere were wasted in pursuit of a criminal conviction.

The Judge also told Jussie,

"You turned your life upside down. You destroyed your life as you know it. There is nothing I can do to you today that will come close to the damage you've done to your own life."

I disagree. 5 months in jail followed by 2 1/2 years probation for a non-violent crime committed by someone with no prior criminal record, who likely will become a target if put in general population in the county jail, is excessive. And if threats result in him being placed in protective custody where's he's in solitary, it's worse than excessive. In that event, the Judge's sentence will have hurt him far more than he hurt himself.