Disney-owned FOX is hailing the news that “Empire” actor Jussie Sollett has had charges dropped against him stemming from an alleged “hate” attack on a cold Chicago street.
“Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified that all charges against him have been dismissed,” the network said in a short statement, The Blast reports.
Meanwhile, the writers of the show are gloating, too.
😉 see y’all Wednesday. #empire #empirefox pic.twitter.com/jQUtsHcQBF
— Empire Writers (@EmpireWriters) March 26, 2019
With a winking emoji, Empire Writers tweeted “see y’all Wednesday,” along with a picture of CNN reporting on charges being dropped against the actor.
But not everyone is celebrating.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tore into Smollett. The Wrap reports:
“This is a whitewash of justice,” Emanuel said Tuesday afternoon during a fiery press conference alongside Chicago police superintendent Eddie Johnson. “A grand jury could not have been clearer.”
In a stunning reversal, all charges were dropped against Smollett Tuesday morning by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The “Empire” star was indicted on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct earlier this month. He was accused of lying to police regarding a Jan. 29 incident, in which he said he was randomly attacked by two men shouting racial and homophobic slurs in his Chicago neighborhood.
Johnson also heavily criticized the decision: “Do I think justice was served? No,” he said, adding that he stands behind the work of the detectives. “I’ve heard that they wanted their day in court with TV cameras so America could know the truth. But no, they chose to hide behind secrecy and broker a deal to circumvent the judicial system … I stand behind the detectives’ investigation.”
This is Obama Country.
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