The criminal charges facing actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of faking a hate crime attack on himself in Chicago on January 22, 2019, have all been dropped. Smollett will now appear in court in Chicago on Tuesday for an emergency hearing.
In an official statement made on Tuesday, March 26, the Empire star's lawyers said:
"All charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of the 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."
They added:
"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 as 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."
