Charges Dropped Against “Empire” Actor Jussie Smollett

The charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped by prosecutors, The Chicago Sun Times reports.

The actor was attacked on January 29 and was later arrested and charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly conspiring to plan and carry out the assault. According to the Times, Smollett will forfeit his $10,000 bond.

Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes, the attorneys for the actor issued the following statement:

“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. Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29. 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.”

“Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result.”

“Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career.”

Each charge made against Smollett are Class 4 felonies, the lowest felony offense in Illinois