BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: All criminal charges against Jussie Smollett have been dropped and his record has been expunged, the actor’s attorney confirms.
ORIGINAL STORY:
CHICAGO — Jussie Smollett made an “emergency court appearance” in Chicago Tuesday, a representative for the actor confirmed.
The reason for the appearance is not known. Smollett and his lawyers are expected speak to the media afterward at the courthouse.
Smollett’s attorney Mark Geragos was recently named as the unidentified co-conspirator in court papers charging attorney Michael Avenatti with attempting to shake down Nike for $25 million by threatening the company with bad publicity. Avenatti’s clients include some of R. Kelly’s alleged victims.
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Smollett is charged with lying to Chicago police about a January attack in the city’s Streeterville neighborhood.
Prosecutors allege that Smollett, who is black and gay, staged the attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career. A grand jury indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false report.
Smollett has denied that he staged the attack and maintains he is innocent.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
