Prosecutors drop all 16 felony charges against Jussie Smollett

The Hollywood Reporter

The Cook County State's Attorney's office announced it is dropping all charges against the Empire star, who was accused of lying to police about his hate crime attack. The Chicago Police Department declined to comment. "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 Cook County State's Attorney's office said in a statement. Smollett was back in court this morning for what his representatives called an emergency appearance. "Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him," Smollett's lawyers said in a statement. "Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgment." ALSO:

• Jussie Smollett addresses reporters: "I've been truthful and consistent on every single level since Day 1"
• Smollett's attorney says "there was no deal" to get charges dropped
• 20th Century Fox issues statement: "Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified on his behalf that all charges against him have been dismissed.”
• Empire writers react to the news: "see y’all Wednesday."