Former “Empire” actor was accused of lying to police that he was the victim of a hate crime in 2019 and being homophobic.
Jussie Smollett, actor, tried to get a judge to dismiss his criminal case in relation to claims that he lied about being the victim a racist or homophobic hate crime.
Smollett was being represented by an attorney. He had previously performed community service and forfeited $10,000 under a previous agreement to drop Cook County charges.
“A deal is always a deal. Attorney NenyeUche stated this in court Friday.
Judge James Linn stated that Smollett was currently being handled by a special prosecutor appointed to him by another judge. He would not alter this arrangement. Smollett was accused of making a false report to Chicago police in February 2019.
He told officers in January 2019 that he was attacked by two men, who used homophobic and racial slurs against him. They also wrapped a rope around the neck of his neck in Streeterville.
Initial police investigations into the incident were focused on hate crimes, but they couldn’t find video evidence. Authorities began to investigate whether Smollett paid brothers Ola Osundairo and Abel Osundairo for the assault.
Former Chicago police superintendent Eddie T. Johnson claims that Smollett orchestrated the attack against himself to “promote” his career and paid the Osundairo siblings $3,500 to assist him in executing it.
The brothers’ lawyer previously stated that they had “great regret” over their involvement in the situation.
The lawyer stated that they understood how hate crimes have affected people all over the country, especially minorities and those who are themselves victims.
Smollett was indicted by a grand jury for disorderly conduct in March 2019. However, all charges were dropped within weeks. This caused outrage. However, the case was reopened by the special prosecutor, and Smollett was once again charged with disorderly behavior.
The actor, who is Black, and gay, denied wrongdoing, and pleaded not guilt.
His lawyer tried to dismiss the case, but Smollett said that he wants to be heard by a jury to clear his name.
