Conservative media reacted with shock and surprise on social media following the bombshell news out of Chicago that charges against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was dropped.
Prosecutors dropped charges against the 36-year-old performer and activist, which included disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report after he informed Chicago police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in January.
“After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet’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 told The Hill’s “In the Know” in a statement.
“We standby the Chicago Police Department’s investigation and our decision to approve charges in this case,” the statement continued.
Smollett originally claimed he was attacked in the early morning of Jan. 29 on a street near his apartment in Chicago. Smollett says the alleged attackers yelled “This is MAGA country!” while pouring an unknown chemical substance on Smollett and attempting to tie a rope around his neck.
He was indicted six weeks later on March 8 on 16 felony counts by a Cook County grand jury after police said he lied about the attack.