Prosecutors Drop Jussie Smollett Charges In Move Decried As 'Whitewash Of Justice'

Prosecutors are dropping all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett, in a surprising and controversial move that exposed a stark fault line between Chicago's local authorities and their county and state counterparts. 

The decision Tuesday appears to clear Smollett of allegations that he filed a false police report earlier this year when the actor, who is gay and black, claimed that he was attacked in Chicago in a possible hate crime.

Jussie Smollett

Prosecutors in Cook County, Ill., said they would not pursue the grand jury indictment against Smollett, which returned 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct against him last month. Tuesday's decision, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, had to do, in part, with the actor's community service and bond payment to the city.

"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet's volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his [$10,000] bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case," the office led by State's Attorney Kim Foxx said in a statement emailed to NPR.

Foxx recused herself from the Smollett investigation last month, in order to "address potential questions of impartiality based upon familiarity with potential witnesses in the case," according to a statement released at the time.

First Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Magats, who took over on her behalf, said the decision should not necessarily be viewed as an exoneration.

Source - Prosecutors Drop Jussie Smollett Charges In Move Decried As 'Whitewash Of Justice'