CHICAGO — A grand jury returned a six-count indictment accusing actor Jussie Smollett of lying to Chicago police when he reported a racist and homophobic attack last year, a special prosecutor announced Tuesday. Smollett faces six counts of disorderly conduct, special prosecutor Dan Webb said in a statement. Smollett, who...
Backlash, Questions Follow Dismissal of Jussie Smollett Case
CHICAGO — Prosecutors still insist Jussie Smollett faked a racist, anti-gay attack on himself in the hopes that the attention would advance his acting career. The "Empire" star still says he was assaulted by two men late at night in downtown Chicago. But with little explanation, authorities on Tuesday abruptly...
Jussie Smollett’s Attorneys Say All Criminal Charges Dropped
CHICAGO — Attorneys for "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett said Tuesday that charges alleging he lied to police about a racist and homophobic attack have been dropped. Smollett attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement that Smollett's record "has been wiped clean." Smollett was indicted on 16...
Jussie Smollett Pleads Not Guilty to Lying About Attack
CHICAGO — "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago a few weeks ago. Lawyer Tina Glandian entered the plea on behalf of the 36-year-old actor during a hearing in...
Chicago's Vast Camera Network Helped Smollett Investigation
CHICAGO — Police tapped into Chicago's vast network of surveillance cameras — and even some homeowners' doorbell cameras — to track down two brothers who later claimed they were paid by "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett to stage an attack on him, the latest example of the city's high-tech approach to...
If Proven, Smollett Allegations Could Be a 'Career Killer'
LOS ANGELES — For five years, Jussie Smollett has been enmeshed in weekly drama on the set of "Empire," the Fox TV series that gave the actor a breakout role and the fame to advance his social activism. But Friday's news that Smollett won't appear on the final two episodes...
'Empire' Producers Cut Smollett From Season's Last Episodes
CHICAGO — Actor Jussie Smollett's character on "Empire" will be removed from the final two episodes of this season in the wake of his arrest on charges that he staged a racist, anti-gay attack on himself last month in downtown Chicago, producers of the Fox TV show announced Friday. The...
Police: 'Empire' Actor Staged Attack to 'Promote His Career'
CHICAGO — "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett staged a racist and homophobic attack because he was unhappy about his salary and wanted to promote his career, Chicago's police superintendent said Thursday. Before the attack, Smollett also sent a threatening letter that targeted himself to the Fox studio in Chicago where "Empire"...
‘Empire' Cast Member Alleges Homophobic Attack in Chicago
CHICAGO — A cast member on the hit television show "Empire" alleged he was physically attacked by men in Chicago who shouted racial and homophobic slurs, police said Tuesday. Police did not release the actor's name but a statement from Fox, which airs "Empire," identified him as Jussie Smollett, 36....