BREAKING: Jussie Smollett Charges DROPPED and Record Wiped Clean
All charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped, his lawyers said Tuesday.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed the news in a statement:
“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.”
In their own statement, Smollett’s lawyers said the actor’s record will be expunged:
“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,” his lawyers 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 judgement.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Smollett was indicted last month on 16 counts after he allegedly staged his own crime and filed false police reports. He pleaded not guilty the 16 counts. The actor claimed he was attacked by two men, who yelled slurs, tied a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him and screamed “This is MAGA country.”
[Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images]
