Criminal charges against Jussie Smollett dropped

Chicago, March 27 (IANS) All charges against Jussie Smollett, the actor who had been accused of staging a hate crime against himself, have been dropped.Smollett was back in Chicago court on Tuesday for what his representatives called an emergency appearance, reports hollywoodreporter.com. "All criminal charges against Jussie were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him," his lawyers said. "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," they added. Last month, police alleged that the 36-year-old "Empire" actor hired two acquaintances to attack him along a street here in January to promote his career and then filed a false police report.Shortly after the charges were dropped, Smollett said: "First of all, I want to thank my family, my friends, the incredible people of Chicago and all over the country and the world who have prayed for me, who have supported me, and who have showed me so much love." Now, Smollett wants to get back to work and move on with his life. "But make no mistakes, I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment of marginalised people everywhere."The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said: "After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including 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 to this case."
--IANS sug/mr/nn