Criminal Charges Dropped Against Jussie Smollett, Record Wiped Clean
Attorneys for embattled Empire actor Jussie Smollett have stated that all charges have been dropped and his record has been wiped clean regarding allegations that he lied to Chicago police about a possible hate crime attack.
Charges against Jussie Smollett have been dropped by the state and his record has been wiped clean. pic.twitter.com/lHpLvBGc3S
— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕡𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕤𝕙 (@WashNews) 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,” the statement from Smollett’s attorneys read.
The Cook County State Attorney’s Office has also released a statement:
“After reviewing all of the facts & circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community & agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition & appropriate resolution.” Cook County State Attorney
— The Appeal (@theappeal) March 26, 2019
Smollett’s family has also released a statement:
Here’s a statement from the Smollett family after the Chicago PD has dropped charges against Jussie Smollett. pic.twitter.com/ZEuwXGKodm
— Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) March 26, 2019
The judge has also ordered the case sealed.
Smollett had been facing 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false police report after he claimed he was attacked and beaten in Chicago on January 29. The attackers allegedly yelled racist and homophobic slurs at the actor and put a noose around his neck.
Smollett had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police in Chicago initially arrested two brothers in the attack after video from nearby security cameras showed them in the area at the time Smollett was beaten. The two men, who had appeared as extras on Empire, the Fox show on which the actor stars, claimed that he had paid them to stage the attack.
Prosecutors alleged that Smollett had wanted to stage the attack after a threatening, anonymous letter he sent to the set of his show did not gain any media attention.
Smollett made a statement outside the courthouse after the charges were dropped.
Jussie Smollett: “I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I've been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one.” https://t.co/87KXvN5piM pic.twitter.com/5cj73oyOOm
— CNN (@CNN) March 26, 2019
“I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I’ve been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one,” he said.
