Jussie Smollett is appealing to the Illinois Supreme Court after being indicted a second time for a 2019 hate crime hoax, arguing that he should not be prosecuted twice for the same offense.
He claims a previous deal with the State’s Attorney should be honored.
“After reviewing 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, the State’s motion regarding the indictment is to nolle pros [not prosecute],” a prosecutor wrote.
“We believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”
Following the alleged attack, Smollett was found guilty of filing a phony police report and sentenced to jail time, probation, and fines.
“Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps,” Smollett’s representative stated.
Despite losing support, his co-star Taraji P. Henson remains supportive, comparing his treatment to historical injustices.
“I am not here to debate you on his innocence, but we can agree that the punishment does not fit the crime,” Henson said.
“Emmett Till was brutally beat and ultimately murdered because of a lie, and none of the people involved with his demise spent one day in jail, even after Carolyn Bryant admitted that her claims were false.”
“No one was hurt or killed during Jussie’s ordeal. He has already lost everything, EVERYTHING! To me, as an artist, not able to create that in itself is punishment enough. He can’t get a job,” Henson said.
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