Jussie Smollett has been under scrutiny for the past few months, and according to his legal team, it’s over and he’s a free man.
Earlier this year, Smollett reported that he had been attacked by two masked men who shouted racial and anti-gay slurs. He reported that they poured bleach on him, beat him and looped a rope around his neck while also shouting “This is MAGA country.”
Following that report, the Chicago police Department said that through investigating, Smollett was lying and filed false charges, which resulted in Smollett being arrested and charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct.
Today, Smollett’s lawyers released a statement, claiming that all charges against the singer/actor were dropped.
“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. 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. “
Via. CNN
The Chicago Police said Smollett paid two Black men $3,500, brothers Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, to attack him. They also said that Smollett sent himself a threatening letter. These events resulted in Smollett’s character getting cut from Empire.
” 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.
Via. CNN
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.”