Felony Charges Dropped Against Smollett

Prosecutors are dropping all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett. The surprise reversal announced Tuesday appears to clear Smollett of allegations that he filed a false police report earlier this year when the actor, who is gay and black, claimed that he was attacked in a possible hate crime.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the decision to dismiss the case. In a statement, the Cook County prosecutors’ office offered no detailed explanation.

“After reviewing all of 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, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case,” the statement from spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.

Earlier, in this case, there were allegations that Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx asked Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson to let the FBI investigate Smollett’s allegations after the former chief of staff to former first lady Michelle Obama informed Foxx that Smollett’s family had concerns about the probe.

On Febryary 21, the day Smollett turned himself in on a felony charge of disorderly conduct. Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson had this to say about the case, “To put the national spotlight on Chicago for something that is both egregious and untrue is simply shameful,” He is reportedly not happy about today’s unexpected turn of events.

There have been public calls for a review of Foxx’s role in Smollett’s release as well as calls for investigation on Michele Obama’s possible involvement in the case since this story broke.