SPRINGFIELD, Ill. AP —The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in 2019 and lied to police.
Emailed messages seeking comment were sent Thursday to Foxx’s office and to Smollett’s attorney, who have argued that Smollett has been victimized by a racist and politicized justice system.
Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew from “Empire” to carry out the attack.
A state appellate court ruling upheld Smollett’s conviction, declaring that no one promised Smollett he wouldn’t face a fresh prosecution after accepting the original deal.
Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Justice Joy Cunningham took no part in Thursday’s decision.
Persons:
Jussie, Smollett’s, Smollett, Elizabeth Rochford, ”, Kim Foxx’s, Prosecutors, Donald Trump’s, Mary Jane Theis, Joy Cunningham
Organizations:
Ill, AP, Smollett, Chicago, . Illinois Supreme
Locations:
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Chicago, Cook, “ MAGA