All Charges Dropped Against Empire Actor Jussie Smollett
**Update** A previous version of this article indicated Smollett would perform community service along with the state dropping charges based off a report from ABC 7. The headline has been appropriately updated. In a press conference, Smollett’s lawyers indicate that this is not the case and he will only be forfeiting his bond. Smollett’s bond was set at $100,000.
Original article continues below:
All charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped according to his attorneys.
ABC 7 Chicago reports “Smollett will perform community service and will forfeit his bond.”
Smollett’s attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes announced the news in a statement:
“Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him. Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement.
Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result.
Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career.”
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx noted, “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”
Smollett was accused of filing a false police report and had been charged with a felony disorderly conduct for a false report in February. He would later be charged earlier this month with “a total of 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct-false report.” He had been accused of lying to police on different occasions while reporting that he had been attacked by two men who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him and threw an unknown chemical substance at him. He also claimed the men shouted, “This is MAGA country” and that they put a noose around his neck.
Chicago Police superintendent Eddie Johnson had stated earlier in March during a press briefing that “This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary.” However, Smollett’s legal team accused the Chicago Police Department of an “organized law enforcement spectacle.”
Smollett maintained support from fellow Empire actor Terrence Howard as well as musician Queen Latifah.
What do you make of Smollett’s charges being dropped?
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