Charges set against Empire star Jussie Smollett have been dropped at a surprise hearing. All 16 counts against the star have been dismissed after it was alleged he orchestrated a hate crime against himself outside of his Streeterville, Chicago home. He pled not guilty on March 14.
Attorneys for Smollett, Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes released a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times after his hearing:
“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 29. 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 judgment.
“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.”
state is axing the case against #JussieSmollett and to seal the records. @fox32news
— Tia A. Ewing (@TIA_EWING) March 26, 2019
After reviewing details and evidence, the state says #JussieSmollett’s work in the community is why they are axing the case. @fox32news
— Tia A. Ewing (@TIA_EWING) March 26, 2019
NEW: @ABC7Chicago has confirmed leading to today's decision by prosecutors to drop all charges against Jussie Smollett, Smollett did community service at Jesse Jackson, Sr.'s @RPCoalition. 1
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) March 26, 2019
Part of Smollett's community service for Rainbow Push included 8 hours of service on March 23rd. And 8 hours of service on March 25th. Service included working in the bookstore, critiquing in the broadcast studio and speaking to students and parents who visited. 2/2
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) March 26, 2019