‘Empire’ star actor Jussie Smollett, has been cleared from all criminal charges leveled against him in the court of Chicago. A statement released in the Cook County State Attorney’s office read, “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.”
Jussie was charged with disorderly conduct via the class 4 felony false report allegation and later indicted on 16 felony counts for allegedly lying to authorities about a staged attack in January this year. Through-out the court hearing period, Jussie insisted ‘Not guilty’ despite all evidence that stirred him in the face.
The Empire actors legal team told the Hollywood Reporter after a Tuesday court hearing that, releasing Smollett was the only just result for him after suffering immense shame from the public. The statement read, ” 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. 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.”
However, after the discharge of the actor from further court hearings, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel of Chicago, called his release ‘a whitewash of justice’. He said, “This is a whitewash of justice. I’d like to remind everybody a grand jury indicted this individual based on only a piece of evidence that the police had collected in that period of time. So a grand jury actually brought the charges.”
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, also followed suit with the assertion that justice has not been served. He disclosed, “So listen, I’m sure we all know what occurred this morning. My personal opinion is that you all know where I stand in this. Do I think justice was served? NO. I think this city is still owed an apology.”
By: Larry Adams
