Jussie Smollett’s Charges Dropped, and ‘Empire’ Actor’s File ‘Erased’ After His Emergency Appearance in Chicago Court Today


Charges against Jussie Smollett dropped

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All criminal charges against the “Empire” actor ” Jussie smollett were dropped and “his file was erased,” his lawyers said in a statement on Tuesday.

A judge also granted a motion to seal the case, CBS Chicago reported.

The Cook County State Attorney’s Office called the development a “fair disposition and proper resolution of this case,” although it is not clear what prompted the decision to drop the charges.

Less than two weeks ago, Smollett pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of misconduct for allegedly lying to police about a hate crime. Smollett insisted on his innocence and said on Tuesday he was “truthful and consistent” from the start.

Statement by Smollett’s lawyers

Smollett’s attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes made the following statement on Tuesday:

“Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his file was deleted from the filing of this tragic complaint against him. Jussie was attacked by two people he could not identify on January 29. He was a victim who was vilified and passed off as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public, causing an inappropriate rush to judgment. “

“Jussie and many others have been hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This whole situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in public opinion court. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. The dismissal of the charges against the victim in this case was the only fair result.

“Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and can’t wait to focus on his family, friends and career again.”

Cook County District Attorney’s Office Statement

“Having considered all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and his agreement to relinquish his connection to the city of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a fair decision and a proper resolution of this matter, ”the Cook County state attorney’s office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Smollett had posted a $ 10,000 bond to be released from prison after his arrest in late February.

Mayor of Chicago: “It’s a whitewash of justice”


Mayor of Chicago: “It’s a whitewash of justice …

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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said on Tuesday that “it is a laundering of justice.” He and Chicago Police Department superintendent Eddie Johnson spoke out after the charges against Smollett were dropped without an explanation from prosecutors.

Emanuel said this “sends a clear message that if you are in a position of influence and power, you will be treated one way, others will be treated another way.”

“So there is no accountability in the system. It is wrong, period,” he said.

“Our officers worked hard day in and day out, countless hours, working to figure out what really happened that night,” he said. “The city has seen its reputation dragged through the mud.

Johnson said the city “must always apologize”.

“I heard they wanted to spend their day in court with TV cameras so America could know the truth,” he said. “They chose to hide behind secrecy and negotiate a deal to bypass the legal system.”

Smollett: “I have been honest and consistent”

Smollett spoke briefly with reporters Tuesday following an “emergency court appearance” in Chicago.

He thanked his family and friends and “the amazing people in Chicago and across the country and the world who prayed for me, who supported me, who showed me so much love”.

He said he was “truthful and consistent on every level from day one. I wouldn’t be my mother’s son if I was capable of a drop of what I’ve been accused of.”

“It has been an incredibly difficult time, honestly one of the worst of my life,” he said. “But I’m a man of faith and I’m a man who knows my story and I wouldn’t bring my family, our lives or the movement through a fire like this. I just wouldn’t.”

Smollett said he would love nothing more than to return to work and get on with his life.

Background: what Smollett was charged with

A Chicago Grand Jury accused Smollett earlier this month with 16 counts of falsely reporting a hate crime. Smollett was indicted last month on a felony charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly inventing hate crime.

The 36-year-old actor, who is black and openly gay, plays Jamal Lyon on Fox’s hit TV show “Empire”, a drama about a family record label. He told the police he was attacked by two masked men as he walked home from a Subway sandwich shop on January 29 around 2 a.m.

Smollett claimed the two beat him, said homophobic and racial slurs and tied a noose around his neck before running away. He said he heard “This is MAGA country,” an apparent reference to President Trump’s campaign slogan.

Police arrested two brothers who they initially linked to the alleged attack. But police said the brothers then said Smollett paid them $ 3,500 to organize the attack. Police said they told them the rope found around Smollett’s neck had been purchased at a nearby hardware store. A raid on their home revealed ropes, masks and bleach.

“We are gratified in his name”

The executive producers of the television series “Empire”, broadcast on Fox, had deleted the character of Smollett from the last two episodes of the season of the series “to avoid further disruption on the set.” The decision to remove the character, Jamal, from the series followed Smollett’s arrest in February.

“While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our faith in the legal system as the process unfolds,” seven producers said in a statement on Feb. 22.

On Tuesday, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment said in a statement that “Jussie Smollett has always claimed his innocence and we are happy on his behalf that all charges against him have been dropped.”

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