Actor Jussie Smollett's conviction for fabricating a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 was overturned Thursday by the Illinois Supreme Court on due process grounds.

The gay 42-year-old African-American claimed in January 2019 that he was attacked by two masked men on a Chicago street who shouted slurs at him and placed a noose around his neck.

The claim prompted a police operation to find the assailants and an outpouring of public outrage.

Prosecutors later charged him with 16 felonies, alleging that he had staged the assault and paid two Nigerian brothers $3,500 to carry it out.

However, those charges were dropped in March 2019 under an arrangement in which Smollett forfeited his $10,000 bond and agreed to do community service.

Several charges were later reinstated after a special prosecutor took over the case, and Smollett was found guilty by a jury in December 2021.

He was sentenced to 150 days in prison, but released pending his appeal.

The state's high court ruled Thursday that bringing the charges a second time after "the defendant has performed his part of the bargain" represented "a due process violation."

"We therefore reverse defendant’s conviction," the ruling said. 
 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Actor Jussie Smollett's conviction for fabricating a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 was overturned Thursday by the Illinois Supreme Court on due process grounds.

Actor Jussie Smollett's conviction for fabricating a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 was overturned Thursday by the Illinois Supreme Court on due process grounds. The gay 42-year-old African-American claimed in January 2019 that he was attacked by two masked men on a Chicago street who shouted slurs at him and placed a noose around his neck. The claim prompted a police operation to find the assailants and an outpouring of public outrage. Prosecutors later charged him with 16 felonies, alleging that he had staged the assault and paid two Nigerian brothers $3,500 to carry it out. However, those charges were dropped in March 2019 under an arrangement in which Smollett forfeited his $10,000 bond and agreed to do community service. Several charges were later reinstated after a special prosecutor took over the case, and Smollett was found guilty by a jury in December 2021. He was sentenced to 150 days in prison, but released pending his appeal. The state's high court ruled Thursday that bringing the charges a second time after "the defendant has performed his part of the bargain" represented "a due process violation." "We therefore reverse defendant’s conviction," the ruling said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US actor Jussie Smollett's conviction for staged attack overturned

US actor Jussie Smollett was sentenced to almost five months in prison Thursday after being found guilty of falsely telling police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 -- an attack prosecutors said he himself staged.

The gay 39-year-old African-American was found guilty in December of "planning" the fake assault by paying two Nigerian brothers $3,500, and of lying to police in his depositions.

"You really crave the attention and you wanted to get the attention," Chicago Judge James Linn told the former "Empire" star as he read out the sentence.

He said the actor had a streak that was "profoundly arrogant and selfish and narcissistic."

"This was premeditated to the extreme... You've destroyed your life as you knew it," Limn said, adding that "you did damage to real hate crimes victims."

He said Smollett was "just a charlatan, pretending to be a victim of a hate crime.".

Smollett, who was to be incarcerated Thursday evening, will have to serve the first 150 days of his sentence in prison as part of a total of 30 months on probation. He must also repay $120,106 to the Chicago Police to cover their investigation costs.

"I'm innocent, I did not do this," Smollet said as the sentence was delivered.

"I’m not suicidal, if something happens when I'm in there [in jail] I did not do it to myself," he added, before leaving the courtroom with a raised fist.

Smollett's lawyers and family had begged the judge for leniency and asked for an alternative to prison, or for a suspended sentence.&nbsp;

The fallen star of the hit television series "Empire" has always maintained his innocence.

He said he was attacked in the middle of the night on January 29, 2019 in a Chicago street by two masked men who he said they were supporters of then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

He told police they made racist and homophobic slurs against him and put a noose around his neck.&nbsp;

Prosecutors accused Smollett of hiring two acquaintances, brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, to stage the attack while invoking Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, after the actor had received a legitimate piece of hate mail which he felt was not taken seriously by his employers.

The case took a strange turn when Cook County prosecutors dropped the initial 16 felony counts against him in March 2019.

But he was again indicted in February 2020 by a grand jury in Cook County, which handles crimes in Chicago, on six counts of disorderly conduct related to the alleged false reporting.

The case had initially sent shock waves through a deeply divided country still plagued by racial and sexual discrimination, and the actor had immediately received support from celebrities in political and cultural circles.

US actor Jussie Smollett was sentenced to almost five months in prison Thursday after being found guilty of falsely telling police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 -- an attack prosecutors said he himself staged.

US actor Jussie Smollett was sentenced to almost five months in prison Thursday after being found guilty of falsely telling police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime in 2019 -- an attack prosecutors said he himself staged. The gay 39-year-old African-American was found guilty in December of "planning" the fake assault by paying two Nigerian brothers $3,500, and of lying to police in his depositions. "You really crave the attention and you wanted to get the attention," Chicago Judge James Linn told the former "Empire" star as he read out the sentence. He said the actor had a streak that was "profoundly arrogant and selfish and narcissistic." "This was premeditated to the extreme... You've destroyed your life as you knew it," Limn said, adding that "you did damage to real hate crimes victims." He said Smollett was "just a charlatan, pretending to be a victim of a hate crime.". Smollett, who was to be incarcerated Thursday evening, will have to serve the first 150 days of his sentence in prison as part of a total of 30 months on probation. He must also repay $120,106 to the Chicago Police to cover their investigation costs. "I'm innocent, I did not do this," Smollet said as the sentence was delivered. "I’m not suicidal, if something happens when I'm in there [in jail] I did not do it to myself," he added, before leaving the courtroom with a raised fist. Smollett's lawyers and family had begged the judge for leniency and asked for an alternative to prison, or for a suspended sentence. The fallen star of the hit television series "Empire" has always maintained his innocence. He said he was attacked in the middle of the night on January 29, 2019 in a Chicago street by two masked men who he said they were supporters of then-president Donald Trump. He told police they made racist and homophobic slurs against him and put a noose around his neck. Prosecutors accused Smollett of hiring two acquaintances, brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, to stage the attack while invoking Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, after the actor had received a legitimate piece of hate mail which he felt was not taken seriously by his employers. The case took a strange turn when Cook County prosecutors dropped the initial 16 felony counts against him in March 2019. But he was again indicted in February 2020 by a grand jury in Cook County, which handles crimes in Chicago, on six counts of disorderly conduct related to the alleged false reporting. The case had initially sent shock waves through a deeply divided country still plagued by racial and sexual discrimination, and the actor had immediately received support from celebrities in political and cultural circles.

US actor Jussie Smollett jailed for staging 'hate crime' attack

The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday refused to throw out charges and to remove special prosecutor against former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/special-prosecutor-to-review-actor-jussie-smolletts-case-judge-245603">Special prosecutor to review actor Jussie Smollett's case: judge</a>

Smollett's lawyers argued in an emergency petition that Cook County Circuit Judge Michael Toomin overstepped his authority and misinterpreted the law when he ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor.

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The court on Friday rejected the arguments without explaining the decision.

Smollett, 37, was initially accused by the prosecutors of falsely reporting to police that the alleged phoney attack was real.

The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday refused to throw out charges and to remove special prosecutor against former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett. Also read: Special prosecutor to review actor Jussie Smollett's case: judge Smollett's lawyers argued in an emergency petition that Cook County Circuit Judge Michael Toomin overstepped his authority and misinterpreted the law when he ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor.

The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday refused to throw out charges and to remove special prosecutor against former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett. Also read: Special prosecutor to review actor Jussie Smollett's case: judge Smollett's lawyers argued in an emergency petition that Cook County Circuit Judge Michael Toomin overstepped his authority and misinterpreted the law when he ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor. View this post on Instagram “What this country needs is more unemployed politicians.” - #AngelaDavis #VOTE dammit. Please. I won’t give up if you don’t. 🙏🏿✊🏿🙏🏿 #November6 #StayFocused A post shared by @ jussiesmollett on Oct 29, 2018 at 7:49am PDT × The court on Friday rejected the arguments without explaining the decision. Smollett, 37, was initially accused by the prosecutors of falsely reporting to police that the alleged phoney attack was real.

Illinois Supreme court rejects Jussie Smollett's attempt to throw out charges

A US television actor who was accused of fabricating a hate crime was indicted on six counts related to the incident on Tuesday after all charges against him were dropped last year.

Former 'Empire'&nbsp;star Jussie Smollett was indicted by a grand jury in Cook County, which handles crimes in Chicago, on six counts of disorderly conduct related to the alleged false reporting.

The 37-year-old, who had been one of the Fox musical drama's main cast members, was accused of masterminding a hoax attack in Chicago to gain publicity and secure a bigger paycheck.&nbsp;

He reported to police in January 2019 that he was attacked in the middle of the night by two masked men while walking near his home in the large midwestern city.&nbsp;

But Chicago police eventually said he staged the whole thing.

Smollett, who is gay and African American, maintained his innocence in the face of a damning public account from authorities of their case against him.

They accused him of sending himself a threatening letter -- complete with homophobic and racial slurs -- and hiring two acquaintances to stage the attack while invoking Donald Trump's&nbsp; "Make America Great Again" slogan.

The curious case got even weirder when Cook County prosecutors eventually dropped the initial 16 felony counts against him last March.

The city did, however, send a letter to Smollett's attorneys, asking the actor to pay the $130,000 cost of overtime work related to the police investigation.

The episode revived America's long-simmering debate about how just the country's criminal justice system really is, whether the rich get off easy -- and whether prosecutors should have so much discretion.

A US television actor who was accused of fabricating a hate crime was indicted on six counts related to the incident on Tuesday after all charges against him were dropped last year.

A US television actor who was accused of fabricating a hate crime was indicted on six counts related to the incident on Tuesday after all charges against him were dropped last year. Former 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett was indicted by a grand jury in Cook County, which handles crimes in Chicago, on six counts of disorderly conduct related to the alleged false reporting. The 37-year-old, who had been one of the Fox musical drama's main cast members, was accused of masterminding a hoax attack in Chicago to gain publicity and secure a bigger paycheck. He reported to police in January 2019 that he was attacked in the middle of the night by two masked men while walking near his home in the large midwestern city. But Chicago police eventually said he staged the whole thing. Smollett, who is gay and African American, maintained his innocence in the face of a damning public account from authorities of their case against him. They accused him of sending himself a threatening letter -- complete with homophobic and racial slurs -- and hiring two acquaintances to stage the attack while invoking Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. The curious case got even weirder when Cook County prosecutors eventually dropped the initial 16 felony counts against him last March. The city did, however, send a letter to Smollett's attorneys, asking the actor to pay the $130,000 cost of overtime work related to the police investigation. The episode revived America's long-simmering debate about how just the country's criminal justice system really is, whether the rich get off easy -- and whether prosecutors should have so much discretion.

US actor Jussie Smollett charged in relation to attack hoax

Jussie Smollett has filed a lawsuit accusing Chicago of maliciously prosecuting him after concluding that the actor's claim to having been the victim of a racist and homophobic beating on a city street was a hoax.

Smollett, 37, best known for his work on the Fox television drama 'Empire,'&nbsp;made his accusation in counterclaims filed on Wednesday, after Chicago sued him to recoup $130,106 in police overtime costs to investigate the beating claim.

He accused the city, police and others of causing "substantial economic damages as well as reputational harm, humiliation, mental anguish and extreme emotional distress," and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

“The city stands by its original complaint and will continue to pursue this litigation," Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for Chicago's law department, said by email. "We fully expect to be successful in defeating these counterclaims."

Smollett, who is black and gay, ignited a social media firestorm after telling the police on Jan. 29 that two masked men had thrown a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him and shouted racial and homophobic slurs while expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump.

Illinois prosecutors charged Smollett on Feb. 20 with making up the attack, including by hiring two brothers to stage it, and falsely reporting "high-profile hate crime" to draw publicity after becoming dissatisfied with his "Empire" salary.

But they dropped the criminal case on March 26, drawing anger from Chicago's police department and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who called it a "whitewash of justice."

Smollett pleaded not guilty to lying about the attack and has long said he was truthful about it.

Chicago nonetheless sought triple damages in its April 11 civil lawsuit to recoup overtime costs.

Smollett played singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on 'Empire'&nbsp;but was dropped from the show after the alleged attack.

The counterclaims were filed against Chicago, the brothers and a number of police officers and employees.

Smollett accused police of trying to prosecute him based on the brothers' "false, self-serving and unreliable statements in order to close the investigation into the attack."

He also said Chicago could not recover investigative costs because it already accepted his $10,000 "payment in full" in connection with the dismissal of the criminal case.

Without ruling on the merits, US District Judge Virginia Kendall on Oct. 22 refused to dismiss Chicago's civil lawsuit against Smollett, saying his high profile and "the extreme nature of the accusations" could explain the overtime costs.

The case is Chicago v. Smollett, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 19-04547.

Jussie Smollett has filed a lawsuit accusing Chicago of maliciously prosecuting him after concluding that the actor's claim to having been the victim of a racist and homophobic beating on a city street was a hoax.

Jussie Smollett has filed a lawsuit accusing Chicago of maliciously prosecuting him after concluding that the actor's claim to having been the victim of a racist and homophobic beating on a city street was a hoax. Smollett, 37, best known for his work on the Fox television drama 'Empire,' made his accusation in counterclaims filed on Wednesday, after Chicago sued him to recoup $130,106 in police overtime costs to investigate the beating claim. He accused the city, police and others of causing "substantial economic damages as well as reputational harm, humiliation, mental anguish and extreme emotional distress," and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. “The city stands by its original complaint and will continue to pursue this litigation," Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for Chicago's law department, said by email. "We fully expect to be successful in defeating these counterclaims." Smollett, who is black and gay, ignited a social media firestorm after telling the police on Jan. 29 that two masked men had thrown a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him and shouted racial and homophobic slurs while expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump. Illinois prosecutors charged Smollett on Feb. 20 with making up the attack, including by hiring two brothers to stage it, and falsely reporting "high-profile hate crime" to draw publicity after becoming dissatisfied with his "Empire" salary. But they dropped the criminal case on March 26, drawing anger from Chicago's police department and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who called it a "whitewash of justice." Smollett pleaded not guilty to lying about the attack and has long said he was truthful about it. Chicago nonetheless sought triple damages in its April 11 civil lawsuit to recoup overtime costs. Smollett played singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on 'Empire' but was dropped from the show after the alleged attack. The counterclaims were filed against Chicago, the brothers and a number of police officers and employees. Smollett accused police of trying to prosecute him based on the brothers' "false, self-serving and unreliable statements in order to close the investigation into the attack." He also said Chicago could not recover investigative costs because it already accepted his $10,000 "payment in full" in connection with the dismissal of the criminal case. Without ruling on the merits, US District Judge Virginia Kendall on Oct. 22 refused to dismiss Chicago's civil lawsuit against Smollett, saying his high profile and "the extreme nature of the accusations" could explain the overtime costs. The case is Chicago v. Smollett, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 19-04547.

Jussie Smollett sues Chicago for malicious prosecution over alleged racist attack

A Chicago judge on Friday named a special prosecutor to probe the case involving former 'Empire'&nbsp;actor Jussie Smollett's allegation that he was the victim of a racist attack, which authorities have ruled a hoax.

Cook County Judge Michael Toomin appointed former US&nbsp;Attorney Dan Webb to investigate the case.

Smollett, who is black and gay, told the police on Jan. 29 that two masked men threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for Republican US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Toomin said Webb, a former US&nbsp;attorney who won a conviction of one of former President Ronald Reagan's advisers for his role in the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal, was "guided by a strong moral compass and integrity."

A month after Smollett made the allegation, State's Attorney Kim Foxx charged Smollett, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama Empire,&nbsp;with filing a false police report and accused him of paying $3,500 to two men to stage the attack to generate public sympathy.

In March, to the dismay of local politicians and police officials, Foxx's office dropped the charges, saying an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome.

Smollett has denied staging the attack.

Foxx also recused herself from the case because of conversations she had about the incident with one of Smollett's relatives.

Toomin told the Chicago Tribune in June that the case's "unprecedented irregularities" warranted the appointment of a special prosecutor "to restore the public's confidence in the integrity of our criminal justice system."

Webb's investigation could bring fresh charges against Smollett and charges against anyone else who is believed to have committed a crime during the incident and investigation, the Tribune reported, citing Toomin's ruling in June.

Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of Empire&nbsp;this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime.

A Chicago judge on Friday named a special prosecutor to probe the case involving former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett's allegation that he was the victim of a racist attack, which authorities have ruled a hoax.

A Chicago judge on Friday named a special prosecutor to probe the case involving former 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett's allegation that he was the victim of a racist attack, which authorities have ruled a hoax. Cook County Judge Michael Toomin appointed former US Attorney Dan Webb to investigate the case. Smollett, who is black and gay, told the police on Jan. 29 that two masked men threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for Republican US President Donald Trump. Toomin said Webb, a former US attorney who won a conviction of one of former President Ronald Reagan's advisers for his role in the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal, was "guided by a strong moral compass and integrity." A month after Smollett made the allegation, State's Attorney Kim Foxx charged Smollett, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama Empire, with filing a false police report and accused him of paying $3,500 to two men to stage the attack to generate public sympathy. In March, to the dismay of local politicians and police officials, Foxx's office dropped the charges, saying an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome. Smollett has denied staging the attack. Foxx also recused herself from the case because of conversations she had about the incident with one of Smollett's relatives. Toomin told the Chicago Tribune in June that the case's "unprecedented irregularities" warranted the appointment of a special prosecutor "to restore the public's confidence in the integrity of our criminal justice system." Webb's investigation could bring fresh charges against Smollett and charges against anyone else who is believed to have committed a crime during the incident and investigation, the Tribune reported, citing Toomin's ruling in June. Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of Empire this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime.

Special prosecutor to review actor Jussie Smollett's case: judge

US television network Fox on Tuesday renewed drama series 'Empire' for a sixth season but said there were no plans to bring back the character played by Jussie Smollett, the actor who said he was the victim of a hate crime in January. 
 
Chicago police accused Smollett of making up an attack against him, but the actor maintained his innocence and prosecutors dismissed criminal charges against him. 
 
Smollett played gay singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on the show about a family in the hip-hop entertainment business. Fox did leave a door open to possibly bring Smollett back by extending an option on his contract. 
 
"By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to `Empire,`" according to a statement from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment. 
 
'Empire' airs on the Fox broadcast network, a unit of Fox Corp. The series is produced by the Fox television studio, which was recently sold to Walt Disney Co.&nbsp; 
 
A spokesperson for Smollett said in a statement that the actor was "grateful to Fox and `Empire` leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support." 
 
"We`ve been told that Jussie will not be on `Empire` in the beginning of the season, but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open," the spokesperson said. 
 
Smollett, 36, who is black and gay, ignited a firestorm by telling police on 29th January that two apparent supporters of President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs on a Chicago street. 
 
After weeks of investigation, Chicago police determined that Smollett cooked up the scheme - in which they allege he hired two brothers to pose as his attackers - because he was dissatisfied with his salary on 'Empire.' 
 
He was charged in February with staging the incident and filing a false police report, but Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutors dropped all charges against him in March. 
 
Smollett admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to do community service and give up $10,000 in bond money. 
 
In April, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking three times the damages it said it incurred in the investigation of the incident.

US television network Fox on Tuesday renewed drama series 'Empire' for a sixth season but said there were no plans to bring back the character played by Jussie Smollett, the actor who said he was the victim of a hate crime in January.

US television network Fox on Tuesday renewed drama series 'Empire' for a sixth season but said there were no plans to bring back the character played by Jussie Smollett, the actor who said he was the victim of a hate crime in January. Chicago police accused Smollett of making up an attack against him, but the actor maintained his innocence and prosecutors dismissed criminal charges against him. Smollett played gay singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on the show about a family in the hip-hop entertainment business. Fox did leave a door open to possibly bring Smollett back by extending an option on his contract. "By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to `Empire,`" according to a statement from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment. 'Empire' airs on the Fox broadcast network, a unit of Fox Corp. The series is produced by the Fox television studio, which was recently sold to Walt Disney Co. A spokesperson for Smollett said in a statement that the actor was "grateful to Fox and `Empire` leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support." "We`ve been told that Jussie will not be on `Empire` in the beginning of the season, but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open," the spokesperson said. Smollett, 36, who is black and gay, ignited a firestorm by telling police on 29th January that two apparent supporters of President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs on a Chicago street. After weeks of investigation, Chicago police determined that Smollett cooked up the scheme - in which they allege he hired two brothers to pose as his attackers - because he was dissatisfied with his salary on 'Empire.' He was charged in February with staging the incident and filing a false police report, but Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutors dropped all charges against him in March. Smollett admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to do community service and give up $10,000 in bond money. In April, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking three times the damages it said it incurred in the investigation of the incident.

Fox renews 'Empire' without Jussie Smollett's character

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday. 
 
The lawsuit was being prepared after Smollett, 36, refused a demand by the city for $130,000, said Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for the city`s Department of Law. 
 
"Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019, McCaffrey said. "The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook Country."&nbsp; 
 
Smollett, who is black and gay, touched off a social media fire storm by telling police on Jan. 29 that two apparent supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him.&nbsp; 
 
But the actor, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama “Empire,” was charged in February with staging the incident himself and filing a false police report.&nbsp; 
 
Last week prosecutors dropped all charges against Smollett, infuriating police and outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The case file was sealed by a Chicago judge, which critics suggested was evidence of a cover-up. 
 
The actor`s criminal defense attorney, Mark Geragos, could not be reached for comment. 
 
On Monday, some 300 people, including off-duty Chicago police officers, took to the streets to protest, calling on Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx to resign over her handling of the case. 
 
Foxx, who recused herself from the case before charges were filed, citing conversations she had with one of his relatives, has defended her actions and those of her prosecutors. 
 
Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of 'Empire'&nbsp;this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime. Fox executives have not said if he will return should the show be renewed for another year.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday. The lawsuit was being prepared after Smollett, 36, refused a demand by the city for $130,000, said Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for the city`s Department of Law. "Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019, McCaffrey said. "The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook Country." Smollett, who is black and gay, touched off a social media fire storm by telling police on Jan. 29 that two apparent supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him. But the actor, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama “Empire,” was charged in February with staging the incident himself and filing a false police report. Last week prosecutors dropped all charges against Smollett, infuriating police and outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The case file was sealed by a Chicago judge, which critics suggested was evidence of a cover-up. The actor`s criminal defense attorney, Mark Geragos, could not be reached for comment. On Monday, some 300 people, including off-duty Chicago police officers, took to the streets to protest, calling on Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx to resign over her handling of the case. Foxx, who recused herself from the case before charges were filed, citing conversations she had with one of his relatives, has defended her actions and those of her prosecutors. Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of 'Empire' this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime. Fox executives have not said if he will return should the show be renewed for another year.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett after he refuses to pay for police overtime

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-was-vilified-over-alleged-hoax-lawyer-205911"> prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week.</a> 
 
In an early morning tweet announcing the review, Trump said the case had embarrassed the nation. 
 
Smollett, who is black and gay, said two men attacked him at night in January, making homophobic and racist remarks and putting a noose around his neck while shouting support for Trump. 
 
Investigators later charged Smollett with paying the two men to pretend to attack him in order to garner public sympathy for himself. Prosecutors dropped the charges on Tuesday, saying they stood by the accusation but that an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome. 
 
The county prosecutors` decision stunned the city`s police chief, prompted the police union to demand a federal investigation and enraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, who called it a "whitewash" that made a fool of the city. 
 
Trump, a Republican, echoed those remarks early on Thursday.&nbsp;

"FBI &amp; DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago," Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. "It is an embarrassment to our Nation!" 
 
Smollett, 36, says he is innocent and did not stage the attack. His spokeswoman and his lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The Department of Justice declined to comment. 
 
The FBI has already had some involvement in the case, with agents investigating a threatening letter Smollett said he received prior to the attack, 
according to the Chicago Police Department. 
 
The initial reports of two Trump supporters attacking a gay, black celebrity drew widespread sympathy for Smollett, particularly from Democrats. That faded quickly after the actor`s arrest, and the case was seized on by some as an example of what Trump likes to deride as "fake news." 
 
Smollett is best known for playing a gay musician on the Fox drama "Empire." His lawyers said he hopes to move on with his acting career, but it remains unclear whether he will return to "Empire" after being written out of the last two episodes of the most recent season.&nbsp; 
 
Chicago`s chief prosecutor, Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx, has defended her office`s decision as proportionate to what she described as relatively minor charges, saying that even if Smollett had been convicted he would likely not have faced prison time.&nbsp; 
 
Foxx recused herself from the case after acknowledging she had discussed it with a relative of Smollett.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week. In an early morning tweet announcing the review, Trump said the case had embarrassed the nation. Smollett, who is black and gay, said two men attacked him at night in January, making homophobic and racist remarks and putting a noose around his neck while shouting support for Trump. Investigators later charged Smollett with paying the two men to pretend to attack him in order to garner public sympathy for himself. Prosecutors dropped the charges on Tuesday, saying they stood by the accusation but that an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome. The county prosecutors` decision stunned the city`s police chief, prompted the police union to demand a federal investigation and enraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, who called it a "whitewash" that made a fool of the city. Trump, a Republican, echoed those remarks early on Thursday. "FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago," Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. "It is an embarrassment to our Nation!" Smollett, 36, says he is innocent and did not stage the attack. His spokeswoman and his lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The Department of Justice declined to comment. The FBI has already had some involvement in the case, with agents investigating a threatening letter Smollett said he received prior to the attack, according to the Chicago Police Department. The initial reports of two Trump supporters attacking a gay, black celebrity drew widespread sympathy for Smollett, particularly from Democrats. That faded quickly after the actor`s arrest, and the case was seized on by some as an example of what Trump likes to deride as "fake news." Smollett is best known for playing a gay musician on the Fox drama "Empire." His lawyers said he hopes to move on with his acting career, but it remains unclear whether he will return to "Empire" after being written out of the last two episodes of the most recent season. Chicago`s chief prosecutor, Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx, has defended her office`s decision as proportionate to what she described as relatively minor charges, saying that even if Smollett had been convicted he would likely not have faced prison time. Foxx recused herself from the case after acknowledging she had discussed it with a relative of Smollett.

Donald Trump calls Jussie Smollett's case an 'embarrassment,' announces review

Illinois prosecutors on Tuesday (March 26) dropped charges that accused 'Empire'&nbsp;actor Jussie Smollett of staging a phoney hate crime attack to gain publicity, an incident that attracted international attention, his lawyers said.

Cook County prosecutors said in a statement that they had dropped the charges but did not make clear if anyone would be charged for the attack, in which Smollett said his assailants put a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him.

The decision, which emerged at a brief court hearing in Chicago, was the latest dizzying twist since Smollett, a gay black man who plays a gay musician on the Fox hip-hop drama, told police in January two masked men attacked him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors brought felony charges against Smollett after concluding he had paid his supposed attackers to stage the assault in an effort to advance his career and secure higher pay.

Smollett's lawyers in a statement said the attack occurred as the actor described, calling him a "victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator."

Smollett briefly addressed reporters after the hearing, saying, "I've been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one."

"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," the Cook County State's Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Smollett had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in a Chicago court on March 14.

The case garnered an outpouring of support for Smollett on social media, including from celebrities and several Democratic presidential candidates.

Two brothers were arrested after they were recognized from surveillance footage.

But prosecutors accused Smollett of writing a $3,500 check to the brothers and giving them money to buy rope, ski masks, gloves and red baseball caps, all in an effort to use the attack's notoriety to raise his profile.

A spokesman for 20th Century Fox Television said the network and studio did not have any immediate comment.

In a statement, Smollett's family said he was "falsely accused."

"He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack," the family said. "While many were quick to rush to judgment before hearing the actual truth, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light.

Illinois prosecutors on Tuesday (March 26) dropped charges that accused 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett of staging a phoney hate crime attack to gain publicity, an incident that attracted international attention, his lawyers said.

Illinois prosecutors on Tuesday (March 26) dropped charges that accused 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett of staging a phoney hate crime attack to gain publicity, an incident that attracted international attention, his lawyers said. Cook County prosecutors said in a statement that they had dropped the charges but did not make clear if anyone would be charged for the attack, in which Smollett said his assailants put a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him. The decision, which emerged at a brief court hearing in Chicago, was the latest dizzying twist since Smollett, a gay black man who plays a gay musician on the Fox hip-hop drama, told police in January two masked men attacked him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump. Prosecutors brought felony charges against Smollett after concluding he had paid his supposed attackers to stage the assault in an effort to advance his career and secure higher pay. Smollett's lawyers in a statement said the attack occurred as the actor described, calling him a "victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator." Smollett briefly addressed reporters after the hearing, saying, "I've been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one." "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," the Cook County State's Attorney's Office said in a statement. Smollett had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in a Chicago court on March 14. The case garnered an outpouring of support for Smollett on social media, including from celebrities and several Democratic presidential candidates. Two brothers were arrested after they were recognized from surveillance footage. But prosecutors accused Smollett of writing a $3,500 check to the brothers and giving them money to buy rope, ski masks, gloves and red baseball caps, all in an effort to use the attack's notoriety to raise his profile. A spokesman for 20th Century Fox Television said the network and studio did not have any immediate comment. In a statement, Smollett's family said he was "falsely accused." "He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack," the family said. "While many were quick to rush to judgment before hearing the actual truth, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light.

Charges against Jussie Smollett dropped, was 'vilified' over alleged hoax -lawyer

‘The Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty as he appeared in a Chicago court on Thursday after being charged with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chicago-police-charge-jussie-smollett-with-filing-false-report-of-assault-198661">falsely reporting</a> to the police that he was a victim of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/assault-on-empire-actor-jussie-smollett-investigated-as-hate-crime-193785">racist and homophobic assault </a>on a city street.&nbsp;

He was initially charged with disorderly conduct via the class 4 felony false report allegation and later indicted on 16 felony counts for allegedly lying to the authorities. He claimed back then that he was attacked by two Donald Trump supporters and beaten because he is African-American and homosexual.&nbsp;

Jussie came to the court dressed in a navy suit with his attorneys.&nbsp;

Initially being probed for discrimination, the police determined that he had allegedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jussie-smollett-staged-hate-crime-hoax-to-advance-career-chicago-police-198836">set up the highly publicised attack to further his career</a>. He was subsequently arrested and charged.&nbsp;

Jussie is currently out on $100,000 bail. As he went to court on Thursday, he was heard saying “yes sir” to judge as he instructed him that he would next return to court on April 12.

The actor and his attorneys deny he had anything to do with the assault other than being the victim of a hate crime.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Fox has now cut his character in ‘Empire’ after he was arrested.

‘The Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty as he appeared in a Chicago court on Thursday after being charged with falsely reporting to the police that he was a victim of a racist and homophobic assault on a city street.

‘The Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty as he appeared in a Chicago court on Thursday after being charged with falsely reporting to the police that he was a victim of a racist and homophobic assault on a city street. He was initially charged with disorderly conduct via the class 4 felony false report allegation and later indicted on 16 felony counts for allegedly lying to the authorities. He claimed back then that he was attacked by two Donald Trump supporters and beaten because he is African-American and homosexual. Jussie came to the court dressed in a navy suit with his attorneys. Initially being probed for discrimination, the police determined that he had allegedly set up the highly publicised attack to further his career. He was subsequently arrested and charged. Jussie is currently out on $100,000 bail. As he went to court on Thursday, he was heard saying “yes sir” to judge as he instructed him that he would next return to court on April 12. The actor and his attorneys deny he had anything to do with the assault other than being the victim of a hate crime. Meanwhile, on the professional front, Fox has now cut his character in ‘Empire’ after he was arrested.

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty to lying about racist attack

Television actor Jussie Smollett, arrested last month on a single charge of perpetrating a hate-crime hoax, has been newly indicted on 16 felony counts of falsely reporting to police that he was assaulted by two strangers shouting racist and homophobic slurs.

The indictment, returned by a Cook County grand jury on Thursday and made public on Friday, greatly expands on the legal jeopardy faced by Smollett, whose story of being attacked in Chicago by supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn suspicion since it first surfaced in late January.

Smollett, 36, who is black and openly gay and plays a gay musician on the Fox network hip-hop drama "Empire," was charged last month in a single-count criminal complaint with making a false report to police, defined under Illinois law as a form of disorderly conduct.

The new indictment in the case contains 16 similar counts: eight related to his interview with one police officer on the day of the purported attack and eight more stemming from his interview with another officer the same day.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Smollett's attorney, Mark Geragos, blasted the indictment in a statement as "redundant and vindictive," adding that his client "adamantly maintains his innocence even if law enforcement has robbed him of that presumption."

He also said that leveling charges in an indictment spare prosecutors the need to submit evidence and witnesses to defense cross-examination in a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides if sufficient cause exists for the case to proceed to trial.

At the time he was initially charged two weeks ago, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett had paid two brothers $35,000 to stage an assault on him in a hoax orchestrated to somehow further his acting career.

NO FURTHER ARREST

Smollett has remained free on $100,000 bond since his release hours after surrendering to authorities on Feb. 21. He already was scheduled to return to court on March 14. In the meantime, there is no warrant for his arrest in connection with this week's indictment "because it's the same case," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told Reuters.

No mention is made in the indictment of Smollett's claim, according to police, that his attackers yelled, "This is MAGA country," referring to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, as they accosted him.

But the 16-page document includes other elements of the account that Smollett had stood by for weeks.

According to previous police recitations of Smollett's story, he reported that two masked men approached him on the street in the early hours of Jan. 29 shouting racial and homophobic slurs, struck him in the face, doused him with an "unknown chemical substance" and wrapped a rope around his neck before they fled.

News of the assault spread quickly on social media, with many expressing outrages while others wondered whether the story was fabricated even as Chicago police insisted their detectives were treating the matter seriously.

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" days before he was charged, Smollett said he was angry that some people questioned his story, and he suggested the disbelief might come from racial bias.

His attorneys said after his arrest on Feb. 21 they were conducting a thorough investigation for purposes of mounting the actor's defense.

Smollett himself, according to reports in media citing unnamed sources, apologized last month to the cast and crew on the set of "Empire" but maintained his innocence.

The release of the indictment came after the Chicago Police Department said it started an internal investigation into how information about the alleged hate crime against Smollett was anonymously leaked to reporters.

Geragos said the indictment was designed, in part, "to distract from the internal investigation."

"Empire" debuted on Fox in 2015 and has earned multiple Emmy nominations. Smollett plays the character Jamal Lyon, a member of the family that is the focus of the drama. Producers said in February they were removing his character from the final two episodes of the show's current season.

Also read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jussie-smollett-staged-hate-crime-hoax-to-advance-career-chicago-police-198836">Jussie Smollett staged 'hate crime' hoax to advance career: Chicago police</a>

Television actor Jussie Smollett, arrested last month on a single charge of perpetrating a hate-crime hoax, has been newly indicted on 16 felony counts of falsely reporting to police that he was assaulted by two strangers shouting racist and homophobic slurs.

Television actor Jussie Smollett, arrested last month on a single charge of perpetrating a hate-crime hoax, has been newly indicted on 16 felony counts of falsely reporting to police that he was assaulted by two strangers shouting racist and homophobic slurs. The indictment, returned by a Cook County grand jury on Thursday and made public on Friday, greatly expands on the legal jeopardy faced by Smollett, whose story of being attacked in Chicago by supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn suspicion since it first surfaced in late January. Smollett, 36, who is black and openly gay and plays a gay musician on the Fox network hip-hop drama "Empire," was charged last month in a single-count criminal complaint with making a false report to police, defined under Illinois law as a form of disorderly conduct. The new indictment in the case contains 16 similar counts: eight related to his interview with one police officer on the day of the purported attack and eight more stemming from his interview with another officer the same day. Each count carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Smollett's attorney, Mark Geragos, blasted the indictment in a statement as "redundant and vindictive," adding that his client "adamantly maintains his innocence even if law enforcement has robbed him of that presumption." He also said that leveling charges in an indictment spare prosecutors the need to submit evidence and witnesses to defense cross-examination in a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides if sufficient cause exists for the case to proceed to trial. At the time he was initially charged two weeks ago, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett had paid two brothers $35,000 to stage an assault on him in a hoax orchestrated to somehow further his acting career. NO FURTHER ARREST Smollett has remained free on $100,000 bond since his release hours after surrendering to authorities on Feb. 21. He already was scheduled to return to court on March 14. In the meantime, there is no warrant for his arrest in connection with this week's indictment "because it's the same case," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told Reuters. No mention is made in the indictment of Smollett's claim, according to police, that his attackers yelled, "This is MAGA country," referring to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, as they accosted him. But the 16-page document includes other elements of the account that Smollett had stood by for weeks. According to previous police recitations of Smollett's story, he reported that two masked men approached him on the street in the early hours of Jan. 29 shouting racial and homophobic slurs, struck him in the face, doused him with an "unknown chemical substance" and wrapped a rope around his neck before they fled. News of the assault spread quickly on social media, with many expressing outrages while others wondered whether the story was fabricated even as Chicago police insisted their detectives were treating the matter seriously. In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" days before he was charged, Smollett said he was angry that some people questioned his story, and he suggested the disbelief might come from racial bias. His attorneys said after his arrest on Feb. 21 they were conducting a thorough investigation for purposes of mounting the actor's defense. Smollett himself, according to reports in media citing unnamed sources, apologized last month to the cast and crew on the set of "Empire" but maintained his innocence. The release of the indictment came after the Chicago Police Department said it started an internal investigation into how information about the alleged hate crime against Smollett was anonymously leaked to reporters. Geragos said the indictment was designed, in part, "to distract from the internal investigation." "Empire" debuted on Fox in 2015 and has earned multiple Emmy nominations. Smollett plays the character Jamal Lyon, a member of the family that is the focus of the drama. Producers said in February they were removing his character from the final two episodes of the show's current season. Also read - Jussie Smollett staged 'hate crime' hoax to advance career: Chicago police

Actor Jussie Smollett indicted on 16 counts of lying to Chicago police

Actor Jussie Smollett paid two brothers thousands of dollars to beat him in a staged racist and homophobic attack because he was unhappy with his salary on the hip-hop TV drama 'Empire,' Chicago`s police chief said on Thursday. 
 
Smollett, who is black and openly gay, was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chicago-police-charge-jussie-smollett-with-filing-false-report-of-assault-198661">arrested on Thursday </a>and charged with lying to police about the alleged attack on Jan. 29. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was visibly angered as he condemned his actions. 
 
Police did not spell out how the 36-year-old actor hoped to boost his salary by staging the supposed attack by supporters of President Donald Trump. 
 
"Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson told a news conference, adding that the actor paid $3,500 to the brothers to stage the supposed hate crime. 
 
"This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with this salary. He concocted a story about being attacked," Johnson said. "We gave him the benefit of the doubt." 
 
Police did not say anything about the amount of Smollett`s salary. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of one to three years.&nbsp; 
 
A judge set bail at $100,000 and ordered Smollett to surrender his passport. The actor, who turned himself in early Thursday, was released from jail after paying 10 percent of the bail amount as stipulated by the judge.&nbsp; 
 
In court, Smollett wore a black jacket and stared at the prosecutor as she detailed the allegations against him. 
 
Smollett had said two apparent Trump supporters struck him and put a noose round his neck while shouting "This is MAGA country," referring to Trump`s "Make America Great Again" slogan. It was initially reported that an unknown substance was poured over him, but Johnson on Thursday said that was unclear.&nbsp; 
 
"@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA," Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday. 
 
The Smollett case has become a sensation in the United States as it tapped in to increasingly heated political divisions since the election of Trump in November 2016. Critics of Trump have said his rhetoric has fuelled racism and violence, while the president`s supporters say the press has been too quick to embrace any news that appears to cast Trump and his supporters in a bad light.&nbsp; 
 
20th Century Fox Television, which airs 'Empire,' said in a statement on Thursday that it understands the seriousness of the matter and respects the legal process. "We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options," the statement said. 
 
Smollett wrote the brothers a $3,500 personal check and gave them $100 to buy the rope, ski masks, gloves and red MAGA-style baseball caps that were used in the supposed attack, according to court papers.&nbsp; 
 
A spokesman for Smollett`s lawyers, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, said on Thursday in an email, "once we are ready to make statement we will do so."

On Wednesday, they had said they were conducting a thorough investigation to form an aggressive defence.&nbsp; 
 
`THROUGH THE MUD`&nbsp; 
 
Police interviewed more than 100 people, reviewed video from more than 55 surveillance cameras and executed more than 50 search warrants during the investigation. 
 
Johnson told reporters that Smollett had first tried to gain attention by sending himself a threatening letter filled with "racial, homophobic and political language."&nbsp; 
 
"When that didn`t work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack and drag Chicago`s reputation through the mud," the police chief said. 
 
On Feb. 13, police arrested the two brothers who were recognised from surveillance footage of the area where Smollett said the attack occurred. One of the brothers worked with Smollett on "Empire," according to police and their lawyer. 
 
Near the end of the 48 hours in which police are allowed to detain potential suspects without charging them, the brothers "decided to confess to the entirety of what the plot was," Johnson said. They became cooperating witnesses and were released two days later without charges.&nbsp; 
 
Since the alleged attack, Smollett had received support on social media, including from several celebrities and Democratic presidential candidates. Others were sceptical of the incident, which Smollett said occurred around 2 a.m. on a Chicago street during one of the city`s coldest weeks in recent history.&nbsp; 
 
In an interview with "Good Morning America" last week, Smollett said he was angry that some people questioned his story, and he suggested the disbelief might come from racial bias. 
 
Johnson called for Smollett to apologise to the city and said he was worried that real victims might now be reluctant to come forward. 
 
"My concern is that hate crimes will now be publicly met with a level of scepticism," Johnson told reporters, adding that the city had bigger problems. 
"I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention," the police chief said.

Actor Jussie Smollett paid two brothers thousands of dollars to beat him in a staged racist and homophobic attack because he was unhappy with his salary on the hip-hop TV drama 'Empire,' Chicago`s police chief said on Thursday.

Actor Jussie Smollett paid two brothers thousands of dollars to beat him in a staged racist and homophobic attack because he was unhappy with his salary on the hip-hop TV drama 'Empire,' Chicago`s police chief said on Thursday. Smollett, who is black and openly gay, was arrested on Thursday and charged with lying to police about the alleged attack on Jan. 29. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was visibly angered as he condemned his actions. Police did not spell out how the 36-year-old actor hoped to boost his salary by staging the supposed attack by supporters of President Donald Trump. "Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson told a news conference, adding that the actor paid $3,500 to the brothers to stage the supposed hate crime. "This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with this salary. He concocted a story about being attacked," Johnson said. "We gave him the benefit of the doubt." Police did not say anything about the amount of Smollett`s salary. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of one to three years. A judge set bail at $100,000 and ordered Smollett to surrender his passport. The actor, who turned himself in early Thursday, was released from jail after paying 10 percent of the bail amount as stipulated by the judge. In court, Smollett wore a black jacket and stared at the prosecutor as she detailed the allegations against him. Smollett had said two apparent Trump supporters struck him and put a noose round his neck while shouting "This is MAGA country," referring to Trump`s "Make America Great Again" slogan. It was initially reported that an unknown substance was poured over him, but Johnson on Thursday said that was unclear. "@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA," Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday. The Smollett case has become a sensation in the United States as it tapped in to increasingly heated political divisions since the election of Trump in November 2016. Critics of Trump have said his rhetoric has fuelled racism and violence, while the president`s supporters say the press has been too quick to embrace any news that appears to cast Trump and his supporters in a bad light. 20th Century Fox Television, which airs 'Empire,' said in a statement on Thursday that it understands the seriousness of the matter and respects the legal process. "We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options," the statement said. Smollett wrote the brothers a $3,500 personal check and gave them $100 to buy the rope, ski masks, gloves and red MAGA-style baseball caps that were used in the supposed attack, according to court papers. A spokesman for Smollett`s lawyers, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, said on Thursday in an email, "once we are ready to make statement we will do so." On Wednesday, they had said they were conducting a thorough investigation to form an aggressive defence. `THROUGH THE MUD` Police interviewed more than 100 people, reviewed video from more than 55 surveillance cameras and executed more than 50 search warrants during the investigation. Johnson told reporters that Smollett had first tried to gain attention by sending himself a threatening letter filled with "racial, homophobic and political language." "When that didn`t work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack and drag Chicago`s reputation through the mud," the police chief said. On Feb. 13, police arrested the two brothers who were recognised from surveillance footage of the area where Smollett said the attack occurred. One of the brothers worked with Smollett on "Empire," according to police and their lawyer. Near the end of the 48 hours in which police are allowed to detain potential suspects without charging them, the brothers "decided to confess to the entirety of what the plot was," Johnson said. They became cooperating witnesses and were released two days later without charges. Since the alleged attack, Smollett had received support on social media, including from several celebrities and Democratic presidential candidates. Others were sceptical of the incident, which Smollett said occurred around 2 a.m. on a Chicago street during one of the city`s coldest weeks in recent history. In an interview with "Good Morning America" last week, Smollett said he was angry that some people questioned his story, and he suggested the disbelief might come from racial bias. Johnson called for Smollett to apologise to the city and said he was worried that real victims might now be reluctant to come forward. "My concern is that hate crimes will now be publicly met with a level of scepticism," Johnson told reporters, adding that the city had bigger problems. "I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention," the police chief said.

Jussie Smollett staged 'hate crime' hoax to advance career: Chicago police