“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has been fully exonerated after being accused by police of paying actors to fake a heinous attack laced with racial and homophobic overtones. This morning, prosecutors made the stunning announcement that all charges against Smollet were being dropping. Smollett was indicted earlier this month in Chicago, being charged with 16 felony counts for allegedly filing a false police report.
“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 attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement. “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 judgment."
The lawyers went on to say that it was not just their client who was harmed in this hate crime.
“Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions,” the statement continued. “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.”
It remains to be seen how severely Smollet’s career will be effect by this bizarre incident. He’s been the butt of incessant jokes on Instagram, where memes have him being synonymous with “lies” and being a “liar.” Meanwhile, it was reported weeks ago that “Empire” already edited him out the final two episodes of the season.
“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 attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement. “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 judgment."
The lawyers went on to say that it was not just their client who was harmed in this hate crime.
“Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions,” the statement continued. “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.”
It remains to be seen how severely Smollet’s career will be effect by this bizarre incident. He’s been the butt of incessant jokes on Instagram, where memes have him being synonymous with “lies” and being a “liar.” Meanwhile, it was reported weeks ago that “Empire” already edited him out the final two episodes of the season.
At the time of writing, executives at Fox released the following statement: “Many of you have reached out regarding today’s developments in the Jussie Smollett case. As of this time, the studio and network have no comment. I will of course let you know if that changes.”
In the original charges, Chicago police accused Smollett of hiring brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo —who were stuntmen on “Empire”—to fake an attack on him in a misguided attempt to get sympathy and attention. Police even obtained surveillance of the brothers buying the rope that was used in the attack. When arrested, they claimed Smollett to be the evil mastermind and stating that they were paid to jump him. The brother produced a $3500 check from Smollett, which the actor claimed was for personal training services. To date, neither brother has been charged with any crime.
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx told the press that Smollett’s history of giving back played a part in her decision to drop the charges. That, and he didn’t ask for his $10K bail back.
“After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’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,” she said.
Smollett of course gained popularity on Empire, playing the most talented son of the Lyon family, platinum hitmaker Jamal. Smollett’s character became popular not because of his great singing on the show — performing duets with the likes of Alicia Keys and Kelly Rowland — but because his openly gay character broke barriers on TV for the LGBT community.
In the original charges, Chicago police accused Smollett of hiring brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo —who were stuntmen on “Empire”—to fake an attack on him in a misguided attempt to get sympathy and attention. Police even obtained surveillance of the brothers buying the rope that was used in the attack. When arrested, they claimed Smollett to be the evil mastermind and stating that they were paid to jump him. The brother produced a $3500 check from Smollett, which the actor claimed was for personal training services. To date, neither brother has been charged with any crime.
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx told the press that Smollett’s history of giving back played a part in her decision to drop the charges. That, and he didn’t ask for his $10K bail back.
“After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’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,” she said.
Smollett of course gained popularity on Empire, playing the most talented son of the Lyon family, platinum hitmaker Jamal. Smollett’s character became popular not because of his great singing on the show — performing duets with the likes of Alicia Keys and Kelly Rowland — but because his openly gay character broke barriers on TV for the LGBT community.
With the charges now dropped, it remains to be seen what happens next in terms of careers and court cases for all involved. We’ll have more as it develops.
Smollet’s legal entanglements may not yet be over. According to a report by Page Six, federal mail fraud charges could still be forthcoming.
At the heart of the Feds’ probe is a letter that was mailed to the actor a week before his attack. “You will die black f——t” was spelled out from cutout magazine letters. The letter also featured a stick figure hung from a rope. Also according to reports, the hateful letter was delivered in a envelope that had aspirin in the form of powder in it and “MAGA” written on it. Chicago police investigating Smollet claim after the letter in question was dismissed by TV executives, Jussie was so infuriated, he staged his own attack.
