Jussie Smollet

Actor Jussie Smollett has been moved to a psychiatric ward at Cook County Jail, his brother announced on Instagram, days after Smollett was sentenced for staging a hate crime and lying to police.

Jussie Smollett’s attorneys formally started the process to appeal the “Empire” actor’s conviction Friday as they took steps to secure his release from Cook County Jail while the appeal is pending.

Jussie Smollett will spend time in the Cook County Jail as part of his sentence in connection with a staged hate crime in Chicago, but he’ll serve that time in protective custody, court records show.

As Jussie Smollett learned his fate in court, the actor erupted in the courtroom, shouting “I’m not suicidal” and continuing to proclaim his innocence.

A look back at the top news headlines for this week in news with Lexi Sutter. .

Jussie Smollett’s conviction for lying to police has come nearly three years after his report of a horrifying hate crime quickly became part of a polarized political landscape

Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty on five of six counts Thursday related to staging a hate crime attack on himself. NBC 5’s Lexi Sutter breaks down what’s next for the actor.