Nearly two weeks after pleading not guilty to 16 counts of disorderly conduct, The Associated Press is reporting all charges against actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped.
BREAKING: Attorneys for "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett say charges alleging he lied to police about attack have been dropped.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 26, 2019
The Empire star's lawyer confirmed the news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter after his client appeared in court for an emergency 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," the statement read. "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 judgment."
It's currently unclear why the charges were dropped, but Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the police investigation and continued to do so after trial.
"I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one," Smollett said following the announcement. "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I've been accused of."
The actor and philanthropist was accused of lying to law enforcement regarding the events surrounding an alleged racist and homophobic attack on January 29. While the trial was ongoing, the 36-year-old was only permitted to travel to Los Angeles and New York to conduct meetings with his attorneys.
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Smollett's legal team continued the statement with a public service announcement on chastising individuals before receiving all the facts.
"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 Chicago Police Department had "no comment" on the matter.
Chicago PD told me they have "no comment" on this breaking Jussie Smollett motion and deferred once again to State Attorneys office. when I pressed, saying the PD has been involved in the case, they again said "no comment" https://t.co/qD4IXNnKly
— Tanya Chen (@Tanya_Chen) March 26, 2019
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