Firebrand Congresswoman Maxine Waters weighed-in over the weekend on the ongoing scandal surrounding ‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett; saying it was the “correct thing” to drop all felony charges regarding his alleged hate crime hoax.
“It’s the correct thing that the charges were dropped,” Waters told Extra TV. “First of all, we probably will never know all of the details. We’ve heard a lot of information. No one was hurt — that is, physically, killed, shot — he never committed a crime before, he forfeited the bail and it’s this kind of situation where they close the case all over the country every day. I have learned this isn’t unusual.”
“I’m hopeful that he will go on with his career and be successful,” she added.
Smollett made national headlines week ago when he was arrested for allegedly perpetrating a fake hate crime and filing phony police reports in the immediate aftermath.
All charges were suddenly dropped by Chicago prosecutors in recent days.
Read the full report here.
BREAKING: Prosecutors Drop ALL CHARGES Against ‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett
Prosecutors in Chicago dropped all charges against ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett Tuesday morning; ending all proceedings over allegations he intentionally staged a “hate crime” just months ago.
“Calling himself a man of faith ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett said Tuesday that he felt vindicated after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office said it would drop all charges against him,” reports Fox News.
“Not for a moment was it in vain. I’ve been truthful and consistent on every level since day one,” he said. “I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of. “
“It’s unclear at this time why the court decided not to proceed with prosecution, but the former ‘Empire’ star is expected to give a statement after he leaves the courthouse later today,” adds Fox.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
CHICAGO PD: Smollett Staged Attack, Sent Letter Because ‘He was Dissatisfied with Salary’
New details continued to emerge surrounding ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett’s arrest Thursday, with the Chicago Police Department saying the celebrity “staged” the attack because he was “dissatisfied with his salary.”
“JUST IN: Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson: Jussie Smollett ‘paid $3,500 to stage this attack…The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary,” posted ABC News.
JUST IN: Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson: Jussie Smollett "paid $3,500 to stage this attack…The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary." https://t.co/5AiMcfe6iH pic.twitter.com/0za7CEbVtv
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019
“Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic, and political language. When that didn’t’ work Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack… Why? The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary,” confirmed the police department.