In a shocking legal reversal, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction for falsely reporting a hate crime in 2019.
Rather than exonerating him of wrongdoing, the court ruled that Smollett should never have been prosecuted after Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office initially dropped charges against him in a deal.
The 5-0 decision underscores the importance of adhering to legal agreements despite public outcry.
As a Chicago native, I remember this case vividly and it still irritates me.
Smollett’s story recounts how he was attacked in Streeterville by two men who hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him, put a noose around his neck and chanted “MAGA Nation,” When it was first revealed, it was shocking.
But as the police investigation unfolded, the narrative changed dramatically.
Authorities claim Smollett orchestrated the attack, recruiting two extras from Empire to carry out the hoax in an attempt to gain public sympathy and attention.
Despite his repeated denials, the evidence – including a $3,500 check written to the brothers – painted a shocking picture.
In 2021, Smollett was convicted of five felony counts of disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 150 days in jail. He served just six days before being released on appeal.
Now, the state’s highest court has ruled that the special prosecutor who brought the charges should not be allowed to step in after Foxx’s office dropped the case.
While Justice Elizabeth Rochford acknowledged public frustration with the original resolution, she argued the state must abide by its agreement.
“What is more unfair than the resolution of any criminal case is that this court finds that the state has no obligation to honor an agreement on which people have adversely relied,” she argued.
This is a technical question, plain and simple. The court did not acquit Smollett — it found that Foxx’s office entered into an agreement that should have been adhered to.
That’s why we have courts: to hold even prosecutors accountable. If Kim Foxx’s office screws up this case, that’s her responsibility.
Smollett’s rise and fall will always be tied to his role on Empire.
As Jamal Lyon, he played a groundbreaking role, but the controversy surrounding the case overshadowed his contribution to the show and ended his career on it.
Watching the unfolding of a case in Chicago that became a national disgrace, it was hard not to be outraged by the way the case was handled from start to finish.
Now that Smollett’s conviction has been overturned, he may feel vindicated. But what about public perception? That’s another story.
The court’s decision does little to remove the cloud of suspicion hanging over his head, or the damage done to the city and those who initially believed his story.
While this outcome may be disheartening, it serves as a reminder that our legal system prioritizes process and fairness—even when it feels unfair.
Whether Smollett’s story is over or trying to make a comeback remains to be seen, but for Chicagoans like me, the saga will always leave a bitter taste.
What do you think of the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision?
Does it feel like justice has been served, or does this ruling make the whole thing more frustrating?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
The case may be over, but the debate is far from over.
