Jussie Smollett may have won the battle, but has he won the war?
The ‘Empire’ actor made headlines again this week when the “hoax attack” case against him dramatically collapsed, resulting in the dropping of all 16 federal charges placed on him.
In an emotional press conference, the 36-year-old asserted “I have been truthful and consistent on every level from day one.”
Chicago authorities, however, disagree and seem adamant on bringing him to what they feel is justice.
Details below…
Following the Chi-Town Mayor Rahm Emanuel branding the situation a “whitewash of justice,” the City sent a formal demand letter to Smollett’s team – requesting $130,000.
For what, one may be wondering?
Well, they say that covers the overtime spent investigating what they still believe to be a fake attack staged by the actor himself.
In response, Smollett’s team slammed the demand and asserted that it is he that is owed an apology from many – including the Police department and the Mayor.
Here’s where things get a little complicated.
TMZ report that sources close to the Mayor’s office are adamant about filing a civil case to collect the sum should Smollett not comply; a route, which if explored, could see them able to make claim to three times that amount ($390,000).
Unlike a criminal trial, where the burden of proof would have to be particularly substantial (and reasonable doubt can make or break a case), a civil proceeding requires much less. For, it ultimately boils down to a judge establishing whether he/she feels Smollett lied or not in relation to whether the money is owed.
As it stands, the star has 7 days to make payment. If he doesn’t, triggers a civil case and somehow ends up losing, any non-payment could result in his assets being frozen and/or his ‘Empire’ wages being garnished.
The latter of which adds even more pressure on the FOX show in the wake of an Illinois state rep proposing a bill to cut the 30% tax credit received by ‘Empire’ (which is taped in the city) if it keeps Smollett on its payroll.
Smollett continues to maintain his innocence.
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TAKE JUICY JUSSIE THE LIAR DOWN!!!
Except they tried and FAILED, because he’s not a liar.
My thing is if he’s innocent why he gotta do community service?
You are a f****** moron….
He will win this too. Haters crying.
Exactly.
Now the Chicago PD is in damage control mode. It was THEM who decided to waste everyone’s time and turn this into a national case when they knew there was NO evidence to suggest that Jussie lied or set up anything. It was THEIR prosecution office who had no choice but to drop this case after it blew up in their faces. Those expenses are THEIR responsibility, not Jussie’s. They’re only using him to clean up their own embarrassment. And where is all this energy when Chicago has shootings and murders every damn week, and mountains of unsolved cases due to the corruption running throughout their entire department? I don’t know who Jussie pissed off, but somebody in the midst of all this clearly has a personal vendetta against him.
Lol, you are dumb as hell….
Jussie u may have won the battle but u didn’t win the war. They will still get u ask OJ
Baby, the war has been over when you know every future battle your opponent can throw at you will be defeated easily. Easy. Jussie has a CLEAN record. He already paid $10,000. No previous criminal record at all. Now all he has to do is his community service with a smile on his face and the judge will look at a man who is totally clean and throw this mess out!
Either way he’s done and so is his career. Empire won’t last much longer with or without him.
Empire will not lose viewers..this is just sensationalism to rally fear to get Him fired! We want him on the show, and I’m not going to stop watching as well as 5 million other people. I understand wypeepo are furious, but to try and Lynch a black man in the media is low as hell.
You are a moron…
I feel absolutely no anger towards Jussie at all! In fact, I think he is slick AF like the Teflon Don. If I were HBO or Showtime I would put him in a show that is provocative and edgy. Not as a lead but use this controversy to your benefit of a character.There is a divide but it’s not like everyone is mad just a bunch of internet sheeple who don’t even know what really happened. You haters are not a jury. He is innocent until proven guilty. We may never know what even really happened 100%! Let Jussie go home and finish his damn Subway sandwich…lol. Chicago PD, take your L.
You are a f****** idiot
Beat it Sucka!