All criminal charges against “Empire” actor” Jussie Smollett have been dropped and “his record has been wiped clean,” his attorneys said Tuesday in a statement.
The development comes less than two weeks after Smollett pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly lying to police about a hate crime. A judge also granted a motion to seal the case, CBS Chicago reports.
Smollett has insisted he is innocent.
Smollett was making an “emergency court appearance” Tuesday morning in Chicago, according to a media release. He and his lawyers were expected to speak to reporters at the courthouse following his appearance.
Statement from Smollett’s attorneys
Smollett’s attorneys, Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes, issued the following statement Tuesday:
“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.”
