Jussie Smollett's Charges All Suddenly Dropped, Record 'Wiped Clean'
Lawyers announce federal charges dropped against Empire actor as case 'disintegrated'
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Lawyers for Jussie Smollett made a surprise announcement on Tuesday, that all charges against the Empire actor, for allegedly staging a fake hate crime against himself, have been dropped.
Smollett's attorneys Patricia Brown Holmes and Tina Glandian said in a statement that the actor’s record “has been wiped clean” after the prosecution's case reportedly "disintegrated."
After the attack made headlines around the world, the script later flipped and Smollett was indicted on 16 felony counts related to making a false report to police.
Mr. Smollett claimed that he was attacked by two "Trump-supporting" men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs in downtown Chicago on January 29.
Following an investigation into the allegations, police and prosecutors determined that the black and gay actor falsely reported to authorities that he was attacked to advance his career on the Fox show and to promote his career because he was unhappy with his current pay on Empire.
The announcement followed a surprise appearance by Jussie Smollett and his entourage at a Chicago court earlier Tuesday.
#JussieSmollett made a surprise visit to the Criminal Court building in #Chicago today. Reps for his legal team say there will be a “huge” announcement at about 1045am. pic.twitter.com/njriIPfASx
— Rafer Weigel (@RaferWeigel) March 26, 2019
“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," Smollett's lawyers said in a statement.
"Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th."
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"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 judgment,” the statement continues.
“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.”
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TMZ reports: “Jussie will surrender his $10,000 bond.
"We’re told he has agreed to perform community service. A source close to Jussie says the prosecution’s case 'disintegrated.'
"As we reported, there were issues with the $3,500 check the 2 brothers received from Jussie.
"The Police Superintendent had said the money was payment for the fake attack, but it appears it was actually for physical training.”
A spokeswoman for Cook County prosecutors didn’t immediately respond to messages requesting comment.
