The city of Chicago has dropped the case against Empire actor Jussie Smollett after charging him with a Class 4 felony for falsely reporting a hate crime.
The office of the State’s Attorney released a statement this morning:
“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 the case.”
Smollett agreed to forfeit his $10,000 bond, which will go to the city.
His lawyers have stressed that the case was dropped and his record wiped clean, not that there was a plea deal of any kind taken.
“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,” his lawyers said.
Smollett previously reported that he was the victim of a brutal attack in January of this year, in which he accused two unknown men of yelling slurs at him, assaulting him, and wrapping a noose around his neck.
The two men were later identified as extras on Empire who had a relationship with Smollett, leading police to begin investigating the possibility that the attack was staged.
The men, brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo, presented a check from Smollett for $3500 that the cops claimed was to stage the attack, but Smollett’s lawyer today said to the press that the brothers repeatedly said the check was for training the actor.
“I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one,” Smollett said today. “I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of.”
He has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, and continues to insist that he was the victim of an attack.
“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,” his lawyers said.
UPDATE: Smollett's family has just released a statement:
“Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character has been unjustly smeared. Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights, and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of. He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated. All charges have been dismissed and his record expunged (cleared). The painful incidents we’ve witnessed him endure over the past 7 weeks have been heartbreaking and unjust to say the least. While many were quick to rush to judgement before hearing the actual truth, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light. We look forward to bringing the real perpetrators to justice. We thank God and our village for standing by us during this trying time.”
