The actor had all charges against him dropped and his record wiped clean
Donald Trump has called for the Department of Justice to “review” Jussie Smollet’s case after the actor had all charges against him dropped.
The Empire star was facing 16 counts of disorderly conduct after being accused of filing a false police report relating to an alleged racist and homophobic attack he said he was the victim of in January of this year.
The actor had his record wiped clean after prosecutors dropped the charges against him at a hearing earlier this week (March 26). Responding to the news on Twitter, Trump tweeted earlier today (March 28): “FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago.”
FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago. It is an embarrassment to our Nation!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2019
The US President continued: “It is an embarrassment to our Nation!” Trump had previously hit out at the actor after his arrest in February.
Following the Chicago hearing on Tuesday, a statement was issued by the Cook County State Attorney’s Office. “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 the case,” it read.
Speaking outside the court, the 36-year-old actor thanked his supporters and added: “I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of. This has been an incredibly difficult time; honestly one of the worst of my entire life.”
Smollett was removed from the final two episodes of Empire’s fifth season following his arrest.
