Jussie Smollett trial LIVE – N-word causes controversy in court after star asks prosecutor Dan Webb not to quote it

CLOSING arguments in Jussie Smollett’s high-profile trial began today, after a controversial clash in the courtroom yesterday.

Former Empire actor Smollett is accused of staging a racist, anti-gay attack against himself in downtown Chicago to get publicity.

Taking the witness stand earlier this week, Smollett repeatedly denied the attack was a fake, telling a prosecutor “there was no hoax on my part” and that two brothers who testified against him are “liars.”

In another tense moment, Smollett and prosecutor Dan Webb clashed over the use of the N-word.

Webb had read the messages from Smollett’s messages, which prompted the star to ask him not to do it.

Smollett, 39, is charged with six counts of felony disorderly conduct for making what prosecutors say was a false police report about the alleged attack — one count for each time he gave a report — to three different officers.

He could face up to three years behind bars, but experts have said if Smollett is convicted, he would likely be placed on probation and ordered to perform community service.

Read our Jussie Smollett live blog for the latest news and updates…