Jussie Smollett
In January 2019, actor Jussie Smollett told police he had been the victim of a hate crime. His account of what happened that night has been disputed, resulting in a messy, public legal battle with the city of Chicago, and an indictment against Smollett on criminal charges in early 2020.
There’s still time for Jussie Smollett to say what happened.
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx told Dan Webb’s investigators she herself was surprised by the deal made by her prosecutors to drop charges against the “Empire” actor.
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb’s report on the handling of the “Empire” actor’s case by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office has been under seal since August 2020.
“I just hope that [Smollett and his attorneys] know that we went in there with an open mind,” the juror told the Sun-Times after the actor was found guilty of staging a hate crime. “I listened to both sides.”
The “Empire” actor was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct, but the jury acquitted him on one count.
Jurors were back at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse Thursday morning after being sent home without reaching a verdict in the high-profile case the night before.
The panel of six men and six women, including a Black man, spent 2 1⁄2 hours in deliberations Wednesday. The jurors will return Thursday morning to deliberate.
Experts say that Smollett has to tell his story to sway a jury.
A defense lawyer said Abimbola Osundairo, who Smollett allegedly recruited for the 2019 attack, asked for the huge payout in exchange for him telling police the actor didn’t plan the hoax.
“I was confused. I looked puzzled. He [Smollett] explained to me that he wanted me to fake beat him up,” said Abimbola Osundairo, who met the actor while he worked as an extra on “Empire” in 2017.
Before the staged attack, Smollett also texted Osundairo, saying, “Might need your help on the low. You around to meet up and talk face to face?” CPD Detective Michael Theis testified.
Judge James Linn said he expects to start jury selection in the case and hear arguments starting Nov. 29.
Smollett’s attorneys also cannot mention various lawsuits linked to his case, Judge James Linn said.
Just last week, Cook County Judge James Linn ruled that Nenye Uche could defend Smollett but could not cross examine brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo if the case goes to trial.
Nenye Uche was hired as Smollett’s lead defense attorney earlier this year, but Special Prosecutor Dan Webb objected, saying he had spoken with the Osundairo brothers before, and therefore, had a conflict of interest.
Judge James Linn is expected to rule on Aug. 2 whether the former “Empire” actor can be represented by his latest attorney who is accused of having contact with two key witnesses in the high-profile case.
Sade Owens made a bad decision when she told police her 7-month-old was in the vehicle, hoping to get them to quickly find it. But that shouldn’t ruin her life.
The job of a prosecutor, Foxx understands, is not just to rack up convictions, but to fight for justice and real community safety.
Judge Michael Toomin presides over the juvenile justice division and is running for retention in November. Judge James Shapiro hears family law cases.
Conversation between key witness and attorney can’t be used as evidence in Smollett case, judge says
Judge James Linn also denied a request by Jussie Smollett’s attorneys to dismiss the ongoing criminal case against the former “Empire” actor.
Avenatti, who awaits sentencing for trying to extort Nike, made overtures as he considered representing the Osundairo brothers, an attorney for the ex-”Empire” actor tells Sneed.
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb said he needed permission from a judge to release a 60-page report.
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb did not find evidence to support filing criminal charges against Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx or any other prosecutor.
State’s Attorney Kim Foxx should simply admit she and her office did not handle the case properly.
Abel Osundairo told CBS 2 Chicago that he and his brother, Ola, feel they are still being treated like defendants.
Smollett was charged again last month with lying to police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack last year near his Streeterville home.
The actor was given a new court date in the case alleging he faked a hate crime against himself.
Son of a judge, nephew of one of the world’s richest men, James Linn has spent 30 years on the bench in Cook County.
The “Empire” actor made his first court appearance after being charged in a six-count indictment by the special prosecutor in the allegedly faked 2019 attack.
With the March 17 primary looming, Foxx said she is focusing on “getting through the next several weeks” — and reminding voters there’s more to the job than Jussie Smollett.