Jussie Smollett’s Conviction In 2019 Attack On Himself Is Overturned
November 21, 2024 4:10PM CST
Actor Jussie Smollett speaks to Judge James Linn after his sentence is read at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police.
The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges.
The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett’s claims of innocence.
The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck.
Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago.
Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack.
Recent Posts
