(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

 

BY ERIN DISMEIER

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA


More than three years after the slaying of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and seven year old nephew, the murder trial of her former brother-in-law, William Balfour, began in Chicago Monday.  The actress and singer was the first witness to take the stand.

“An emotional Hudson said today that her family didn’t like how Balfour treated her sister.”

While Hudson has commented very little on the murders, CNN reported she has broken down before when talking about the ordeal.  In a VH1 special, Hudson recalls being asked to do a film after the tragedy.

“I was like...I have to get adjusted to who I am now.  I can’t be another character...if I don’t know who I am.”

The notoriety of the trial has some concerned it won’t be handled properly.  The Chicago Sun Times quotes Chicago Assistant Public Defender Amy Thompson as saying...

“...because of Jennifer Hudson’s celebrity status, investigators jumped the gun and solely focused on Balfour as the media pressure intensified.”

Others agree Hudson’s fame has and will continue to have a large impact on the proceedings.  The Orlando Sentinel reports — Hudson’s testimony is really just an appeal to jurors, as the singer has no inside knowledge of what really occurred.

“...when the celebrity aspect of the trial is stripped away, what is left is a largely circumstantial case that lacks a confession, an eyewitness to the slayings or the ability to directly link Balfour to the murder weapon.”

Hudson stated she plans to attend every day of Balfour’s trial.