US actor Jussie Smollett released from jail during appeal

Actor Jussie Smollett, centre, leaves the Cook County Jail (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

US actor Jussie Smollett was released from jail following six nights behind bars after an appeals court agreed with his lawyers that he should be free pending the appeal of his conviction for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack.

The former Empire actor walked out of the Cook County Jail on Wednesday surrounded by security. He did not comment as he got into an awaiting SUV, but his attorneys said Smollett, who is black and gay, was the target of a racist justice system and people playing politics.