Update 5:05 ET
Jussie Smollett will not be prosecuted for allegedly faking a racial attack, because all charges have been dropped.
What We Know:
- Jussie’s lawyers say, “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 2 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 judgment.”
- A source close to Jussie says the prosecution’s case “disintegrated.” As we reported, there were issues with the $3,500 check the 2 brothers received from Jussie. The Police Superintendent had said the money was payment for the fake attack, but it appears it was actually for physical training.
- The Police Superintendent also said during a news conference that Jussie wrote that threatening letter 6 days before the attack when in actuality the FBI had not concluded who wrote the letter.
- Jussie Smollett speaks after all charges were dropped:
“I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I have been accused of.”
- Jussie’s attorney, Patricia Brown Holmes: ‘I have no idea what occurred in this case… I just know we got to the right conclusion.’ #JussieSmollett
Moments after Jussie Smollett and his attorney spoke at a press conference, Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson held a press conference apparently frustrated with the recent developments:
This is story is developing and will be updated here.
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