'Empire' star Taraji P. Henson calls for Jussie Smollett's prison release

Taraji P. Henson (left) – who played Cookie Lyon opposite Jussie Smollett’s (right) Jamal Lyon in 'Empire' – is among several Hollywood luminaries who have defended Smollett over the last week. Photos: AFP and Reuters

Empire star Taraji P. Henson is defending her TV son, Jussie Smollett, after the actor was recently convicted on charges of staging a hate crime and sentenced to 150 days in jail.

On Sunday (March 13), Henson showed support for her former co-star on Instagram by posting a black square with the hashtag #FreeJussie. The Emmy and Oscar nominee — who played Cookie Lyon opposite Smollett’s Jamal Lyon in Empire — is among several Hollywood luminaries who have defended Smollett over the last week.