in the prosecution s case, to push back and emphasize to jurors, as they have all along, that jussie smollett was the victim of a real hate crime. almost three years after reporting a hate crime how you feeling today? reporter: actor jussie smollett took the stand in his criminal trial monday, as he fights charges that he staged the attack against himself in january 2019. do you want to take it off or anything? i do. i want to see. they poured poli ed bleach on m reporter: on the police video footage, smollett said the attackers put a noose around his neck, even policeured bleach oue his apartment. the attackers, osendaro.