The charges against Empire star Jussie Smollett have been dropped, an attorney for the actor said Tuesday.
In a statement obtained by EW, Smollett’s lawyer Patricia Brown Holmes said: “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 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.
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.”
According to CBS Chicago, the Cook County State Attorney’s Office said in their statement: “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the city of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution.”
Earlier this month, a federal grand jury indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts for “false report of offense,” related to the racial and homophobic attack that police said Smollett staged against himself on Jan. 29.
Last month, Empire executive producers announced that Smollett would be removed from the last two episodes of the hit series’ fifth season. When reached on Tuesday, Fox and 20th Century Television had no comment.
This post has been updated with additional information.
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