Jussie Smollett Settles with Chicago: 6-Year Journey Since Alleged Hoax Attack

The city of Chicago has reached a settlement with former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, six years after suing him over a controversial incident.

Back in January 2019, Smollett reported that he was the victim of a hate crime, claiming he was attacked in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. However, investigations revealed that he had allegedly staged the attack himself. The city filed a lawsuit in April 2019, arguing that he submitted a false police report. They sought to recover $130,000, which covered the expenses related to the police investigation.

Smollett denied these accusations, even filing a countersuit. Recently, both parties informed the court of their decision to settle, although they need additional time to finish the necessary paperwork. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.

The case has had a long and winding history. Initially, two brothers, Ola and Abimbola Osundairo, were arrested, claiming Smollett had hired them to stage the attack for publicity. In February 2019, Smollett was arrested and later indicted, but the charges were dropped by then Cook County State Attorney Kimberly Foxx. A special prosecutor later revived the case, leading to a trial in late 2021 where Smollett was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months of probation.

Interestingly, in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned this conviction, citing prosecutorial issues. They determined that Smollett should not have faced charges due to a prior agreement with the Cook County State Attorney’s Office.

This case sparked widespread media attention and debate about issues like racial profiling, the justice system, and public trust in law enforcement. The social media reaction was intense, with many voicing strong opinions both for and against Smollett.

Overall, while the settlement concludes a significant chapter in a complicated story, it leaves lingering questions about justice and accountability in high-profile cases. For further details, you can read more from trusted sources like the Chicago Tribune or the Illinois State Bar Association.

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