Update: "Empire" Actor Jussie Smollett gets Criminal Charges Dropped - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 02-23-2019, 05:44 AM

Why did the Jussie Smollett story dominate the news?

A U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant was arrested this week for planning a killing spree against prominent journalists and Democrats, yet that news was overshadowed by Smollett's indictment and arrest. "Smollett’s story prompted a flurry of attention from the beginning; his arrest turned it into a blizzard of commentary," says Matt Ford. "Cable news covered every twist and turn in elaborate detail." Ford says Smollett received more coverage than any other story this week. He wonders if Smollett was a "smokescreen." "Several major stories this week revealed deep truths about this political moment in America," he says. "None pertained to the TV actor." ALSO: Bill Maher slams Smollett for giving a gift to Fox News.

JamesG · 03-26-2019, 01:29 PM

Jussie Smollett Criminal Charges Dropped; State Says “Appropriate Resolution,” Family “Thank God” – Update
by Denise Petski and Dominic Patten
March 26, 2019

Jussie Smollett’s lawyers announced today that all criminal charges have been dropped and his record expunged. However, the Illinois law enforcement aren’t letting the "Empire" actor off totally free.

“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,” attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement provided to media outlets.

“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.”

“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 to this case,” said state attorney Kim Foxx’s office in a statement of its own.

Coming after a suddenly called court hearing this morning in Chicago, Smollett has received what is known as a “deferred prosecution deal” from the state. Regardless, we may never know the details of the deal, as all the records have been sealed.

It is unclear what community service the actor performed and why he is letting the state keep his $100,000 that was posted on February 21.

“Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character have been unjustly smeared,” declared the Smollett family in remarks of their own this morning.

“Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of,” the actor’s siblings and parents stated. “He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning the truth has prevailed, and he has been vindicated.”

“While many were quick to rush to judgment before hearing the actual proof, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light,” the family added, after weeks of standing by Smollett’s side in his repeated court appearances.

“We look forward to bringing the real perpetrators to justice. We thank God for our village and standing by us during this trying time.”

Smollett, with his attorneys spoke briefly to reporters following the court hearing.

“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. No one will ever know how much that has meant to me and I will be forever grateful. I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of,” Smollett said.

Now, while state charges have been dropped, Smollett isn’t out of the probing spotlight yet.

A federal investigation of the apparently threatening letter sent to Smollett will continue because it’s a different jurisdiction and involves the U.S. mail.

https://deadline.com/2019/03/jussie-...ys-1202582769/

tlc38tlc38 · 03-26-2019, 01:41 PM

^No surprise.

Svenfan1234 · 03-26-2019, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

^No surprise.

Of course he would get off the hook. The media just wants now to forget that it ever happened so they'll erase all evidence and deflect to the other side.

JamesG · 03-26-2019, 02:56 PM

Livid Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Insists Jussie Smollett is Guilty: “Is There No Decency In This Man?”
by Greg Evans
March 26, 2019

A visibly angry Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson dismissed Jussie Smollett’s latest insistence on his innocence and decried the prosecutors’ dismissal of criminal charges against the "Empire" actor as, in Emanuel’s words, “a whitewash.”

Johnson said, as bluntly as he has before, that Smollett conducted a “hoax” to further his own financial gain.

Emanuel lambasted Smollett as selfishly exploiting hate crime laws for his own personal gain. “He took those laws and turned them inside out and upside down,” Emanuel said, repeatedly reminding reporters that a grand jury heard the case and brought the charges against Smollett.

“Do I think justice was served?,” asked Johnson. “No. And I think this city is still owed an apology.”

“He did this all in the name of self-promotion,” Emanuel said of Smollett. “This is a white wash of justice. A grand jury could not have been clearer. Where is the accountability in the system?”

The mayor repeatedly suggested that Smollett benefitted from his “position and background,” apparently referring to his celebrity and wealth, at one point even comparing the situation to the recent Varsity Blues university scandal involving Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin.

Regarding Smollett’s forfeiture of a $10,000 bond, Emanuel said the amount “doesn’t even come close to what the city spent in resources” investigating the case.

Emanuel said the “ethical cost” was even greater than the financial cost. “To use the very laws and principles and values behind the Matthew Shepherd [hate crime laws] to self-promote your career is a cost that comes to all the individuals, gay men and women, who will now be doubted” when reporting hate crimes, Emanuel said.

“Our city’s reputation was dragged through the mud,” the mayor said.

https://deadline.com/2019/03/rahm-em...ce-1202582943/

TMC · 03-28-2019, 08:00 PM

Report: Jussie Smollett will "most likely" be dropped from Empire even after criminal charges against him were dropped

Fox is "in a tricky position over what to do with the series and one of its stars," says Deadline's Dominic Patten. "It’s a position that seems headed towards Empire coming back for another season, but most likely without Smollett, who has always claimed and continues to insist that he is innocent." As one insider tells him: “Things are so unclear and there is a feeling that this isn’t over, that there’s more to come." Patten points out that despite Smollett no longer facing 16 felony charges, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is still investigating him for allegedly writing a fake threatening letter to himself, which could land him in prison. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with our law enforcement partners on this investigation,” the USPS said Wednesday.

ALSO:

President Trump calls Smollett's dropped charges "outrageous" and an "embarrassment to our Nation!": He confirms that the FBI and Department of Justice will review the case
Chicago is shocked by the Jussie Smollett result -- but some are shocked that people are shocked
Smollett's attorney blasts Chicago officials for continuing "smear campaign"
Chicago police release 61-page investigative file in Smollett case
NAACP Image Awards host Anthony Anderson hopes Smollett wins

king of comedy · 05-05-2019, 07:19 PM

I lost all respect for him. Now I don't know if I'll ever watch Empire again.

03-26-2019, 01:41 PM	#18
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	^No surprise.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

03-28-2019, 08:00 PM	#21
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,670	Report: Jussie Smollett will "most likely" be dropped from Empire even after criminal charges against him were dropped Fox is "in a tricky position over what to do with the series and one of its stars," says Deadline's Dominic Patten. "It’s a position that seems headed towards Empire coming back for another season, but most likely without Smollett, who has always claimed and continues to insist that he is innocent." As one insider tells him: “Things are so unclear and there is a feeling that this isn’t over, that there’s more to come." Patten points out that despite Smollett no longer facing 16 felony charges, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is still investigating him for allegedly writing a fake threatening letter to himself, which could land him in prison. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with our law enforcement partners on this investigation,” the USPS said Wednesday. ALSO: President Trump calls Smollett's dropped charges "outrageous" and an "embarrassment to our Nation!": He confirms that the FBI and Department of Justice will review the case Chicago is shocked by the Jussie Smollett result -- but some are shocked that people are shocked Smollett's attorney blasts Chicago officials for continuing "smear campaign" Chicago police release 61-page investigative file in Smollett case NAACP Image Awards host Anthony Anderson hopes Smollett wins
	Last edited by TMC; 05-09-2019 at 01:33 AM.

02-23-2019, 05:44 AM	#16
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,670	Why did the Jussie Smollett story dominate the news? A U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant was arrested this week for planning a killing spree against prominent journalists and Democrats, yet that news was overshadowed by Smollett's indictment and arrest. "Smollett’s story prompted a flurry of attention from the beginning; his arrest turned it into a blizzard of commentary," says Matt Ford. "Cable news covered every twist and turn in elaborate detail." Ford says Smollett received more coverage than any other story this week. He wonders if Smollett was a "smokescreen." "Several major stories this week revealed deep truths about this political moment in America," he says. "None pertained to the TV actor." ALSO: Bill Maher slams Smollett for giving a gift to Fox News.

03-26-2019, 01:29 PM	#17
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 56,966	*Jussie Smollett Criminal Charges Dropped; State Says “Appropriate Resolution,” Family “Thank God” – Update* by Denise Petski and Dominic Patten March 26, 2019 Jussie Smollett’s lawyers announced today that all criminal charges have been dropped and his record expunged. However, the Illinois law enforcement aren’t letting the "Empire" actor off totally free. “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,” attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement provided to media outlets. “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.” “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 to this case,” said state attorney Kim Foxx’s office in a statement of its own. Coming after a suddenly called court hearing this morning in Chicago, Smollett has received what is known as a “deferred prosecution deal” from the state. Regardless, we may never know the details of the deal, as all the records have been sealed. It is unclear what community service the actor performed and why he is letting the state keep his $100,000 that was posted on February 21. “Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character have been unjustly smeared,” declared the Smollett family in remarks of their own this morning. “Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of,” the actor’s siblings and parents stated. “He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning the truth has prevailed, and he has been vindicated.” “While many were quick to rush to judgment before hearing the actual proof, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light,” the family added, after weeks of standing by Smollett’s side in his repeated court appearances. “We look forward to bringing the real perpetrators to justice. We thank God for our village and standing by us during this trying time.” Smollett, with his attorneys spoke briefly to reporters following the court hearing. “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. No one will ever know how much that has meant to me and I will be forever grateful. I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of,” Smollett said. Now, while state charges have been dropped, Smollett isn’t out of the probing spotlight yet. A federal investigation of the apparently threatening letter sent to Smollett will continue because it’s a different jurisdiction and involves the U.S. mail. https://deadline.com/2019/03/jussie-...ys-1202582769/

03-26-2019, 02:56 PM	#20
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 56,966	*Livid Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Insists Jussie Smollett is Guilty: “Is There No Decency In This Man?”* by Greg Evans March 26, 2019 A visibly angry Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson dismissed Jussie Smollett’s latest insistence on his innocence and decried the prosecutors’ dismissal of criminal charges against the "Empire" actor as, in Emanuel’s words, “a whitewash.” Johnson said, as bluntly as he has before, that Smollett conducted a “hoax” to further his own financial gain. Emanuel lambasted Smollett as selfishly exploiting hate crime laws for his own personal gain. “He took those laws and turned them inside out and upside down,” Emanuel said, repeatedly reminding reporters that a grand jury heard the case and brought the charges against Smollett. “Do I think justice was served?,” asked Johnson. “No. And I think this city is still owed an apology.” “He did this all in the name of self-promotion,” Emanuel said of Smollett. “This is a white wash of justice. A grand jury could not have been clearer. Where is the accountability in the system?” The mayor repeatedly suggested that Smollett benefitted from his “position and background,” apparently referring to his celebrity and wealth, at one point even comparing the situation to the recent Varsity Blues university scandal involving Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin. Regarding Smollett’s forfeiture of a $10,000 bond, Emanuel said the amount “doesn’t even come close to what the city spent in resources” investigating the case. Emanuel said the “ethical cost” was even greater than the financial cost. “To use the very laws and principles and values behind the Matthew Shepherd [hate crime laws] to self-promote your career is a cost that comes to all the individuals, gay men and women, who will now be doubted” when reporting hate crimes, Emanuel said. “Our city’s reputation was dragged through the mud,” the mayor said. https://deadline.com/2019/03/rahm-em...ce-1202582943/

05-05-2019, 07:19 PM	#22
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	I lost all respect for him. Now I don't know if I'll ever watch Empire again.