All charges dropped against Jussie Smollett, attorneys say
Tue. March 26, 2019 9:16 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
jussie smollett
photo credit // steven koch
Smollett: 'I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment for marginalized people everywhere.'
Chicago, IL -
All charged against "Empire" star Jussie Smollett were dropped Tuesday, according to his attorneys.
"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 attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a released 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. 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 initially charged with one felony count of disorderly conduct in filing a false police report in February. A Cook County grand jury then indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts.
State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the case in February.
"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet's [sic] 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," the Cook County state's attorney's office said in a statement.
Smollet maintained his innocence during a press conferenced held Tuesday morning after the annoucnement.
"I've been truthful and consistent since day one," Smollett said. "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of."
"I'd like nothing more than to get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistakes, I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment for marginalized people everywhere," he continued.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Supt. Eddie Johnson slammed the decision by prosecutors.
Emanuel called the decision a "whitewash of justice."
"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 attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a released 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. 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 initially charged with one felony count of disorderly conduct in filing a false police report in February. A Cook County grand jury then indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts.
State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the case in February.
"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet's [sic] 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," the Cook County state's attorney's office said in a statement.
Smollet maintained his innocence during a press conferenced held Tuesday morning after the annoucnement.
"I've been truthful and consistent since day one," Smollett said. "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of."
"I'd like nothing more than to get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistakes, I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment for marginalized people everywhere," he continued.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Supt. Eddie Johnson slammed the decision by prosecutors.
Emanuel called the decision a "whitewash of justice."