Chicago (CNN) A Chicago judge Wednesday denied a request by Jussie Smollett's lawyers that a replacement judge be assigned in the former "Empire" actor's special prosecutor case, in addition to rejecting other motions put forward by Smollett's team.

Judge Michael Toomin also denied a motion asking that Smollett's lawyers be allowed to intervene and argue other motions during the court appearance.

That decision led to the automatic dismissal of a motion to release the grand jury testimony of Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo. The brothers were paid $3,500 to stage an attack on Smollett and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has said.

JUST WATCHED Get caught up on the Jussie Smollett saga Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Get caught up on the Jussie Smollett saga 03:23

Originally suspects, the brothers were cleared when prosecutors announced Smollett had orchestrated a hoax. They then testified against the actor.

Smollett's lawyers had hoped to use the brothers' testimony to reveal inconsistencies in their stories, as they are the only two witnesses in the case.

Read More