Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was indicted on six felony counts of disorderly conduct by special prosecutor Dan Webb on Tuesday. Smollett faked an alleged racist and homophobic “hate crime” in January of 2019 during Chicago’s polar vortex.
The actor claimed his assailants shouted racial slurs and said, “this is MAGA country,” while beating him up. A direct reference to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
According to Fox32, Smollett is due in court February 24 in the Chicago Criminal Court Building.
In March of 2019, Cook County prosecutors dropped 16 charges against Smollett and announced they would no longer prosecute him.
“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,” Cook County state’s attorney’s office told the Guardian. This decision was a shock to many following the case.
On February 11, 2020, Special Prosecutor Weber completed investigate steps regarding the case and made the decision to prosecute Smollett.
In a press release, Webb explained how this investigation began:
The indictment results from an investigation that began on August 23, 2019, when Cook County Circuit Court Judge Michael Toomin appointed Mr. Webb as a special prosecutor. Judge Toomin directed Mr. Webb to conduct an independent investigation to determine the following: 1) should Jussie Smollett be further prosecuted for the alleged false reports he made to Chicago Police Department officers, and; 2) whether any person or office involved in the Smollett case engaged in wrongdoing, including the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (“CCSAO”) or individuals in that office.
The Office of Special Prosecution said it will not comment further about the indictment of Smollett.
“In consideration of Mr. Smollett’s right to a fair trial, the OSP will not comment further about the indictment or the OSP’s continuing investigation,” the press release reads.
