Jussie Smollett

Arts

Prosecutors Drop Smollett Charges In Move Decried As 'Whitewash Of Justice'

6:07pm March 26, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The Empire actor was accused of filing a false report of a hate crime. Now, the decision to drop the charges has exposed a stark fault line between Chicago authorities and state and county officials.

Actor Jussie Smollett arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court Building for his hearing Thursday in Chicago.

Arts

Jussie Smollett Pleads Not Guilty To Charges He Faked Attack Against Himself

12:29pm March 14, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

Chicago police say the Empire actor faked the January assault, and now he faces the prospect of prison time.

Empire actor Jussie Smollett leaves Cook County jail following his release in Chicago last month.

National

Jussie Smollett Indicted On 16 Felony Counts By Chicago Grand Jury

7:22pm March 08, 2019

by Richard Gonzales

The charges expand the initial single count of filing a false police report. Now Smollett is charged with multiple counts tied to different aspects of his alleged false report about being attacked.

Empire actor Jussie Smollett leaves Cook County jail after posting bond on Thursday.

Can I Just Tell You: 'Be Prepared' To Face The Facts

7:11am February 24, 2019

by Michel Martin

NPR's Michel Martin has two names for those following the Jussie Smollett situation: Charles Stuart and Susan Smith. Both were white people who falsely claimed they had been attacked by black men.

Queue Listen Now

Empire actor Jussie Smollett leaves the Cook County Jail in Chicago Thursday after posting bond. On Friday, the show's producers announced that they would be removing his character from the final episodes of this season.

Jussie Smollett's Character Removed From Final Episodes Of 'Empire' Season

1:40pm February 22, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The actor was arrested Thursday for filing a false police report. Now, it appears the role that made him famous may be in doubt. Empire producers said they chose to "avoid further disruption on set."

Jussie Smollett leaves the Cook County Jail following his release Thursday in Chicago. Smollett was charged with filling a false police report after he said he was attacked by two men who shouted racist and anti-gay slurs.

Jussie Smollett 'Took Advantage Of The Pain And Anger Of Racism,' Police Say

6:41pm February 21, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The Empire actor has been released on bail after being arrested on charges of making a false police report. Officials say he paid two men to fake an attack on him to "further his own public profile."

Queue Listen Now

'Empire' Actor Jussie Smollett Arrested On Charges Of Filing False Police Report

8:19am February 21, 2019

The actor had reported being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. Prosecutors say that report was not true.