Illinois appeals court hears arguments on Jussie Smollett request to toss convictions
Jussie Smollett’s lawyers have told an Illinois appellate court that it should toss the former “Empire” actor’s convictions for staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and then lying about it to Chicago police.
EXPLAINER: What charges did Jussie Smollett face at trial?
The legal saga surrounding Jussie Smollett’s claim in 2019 that he was the target of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago culminated Thursday in his sentencing to 150 days in jail and being ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago.
Black juror: Smollett's reaction to noose makes no sense
The lone Black juror on the panel that convicted Jussie Smollett of lying to Chicago police about what authorities say was a staged hate crime says he cannot get past how the actor put a noose around his neck when officers were coming to interview him.
In and outside court, Smollett fights for reputation, career
As Jussie Smollett fights criminal charges that he lied to Chicago police about being the victim of an anti-gay, racist attack, his supporters are also working on a broader strategy: Ensuring the 39-year-old emerges from the scandal with his reputation and career intact, whatever the outcome of the trial.
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Hunt still on for suspects in ransacking of Chicago stores
FILE In this Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, file photo, Kajal Dalal walks through the her family's food and liquor store after it was vandalized in downtown Chicago. A Chicago police task force that was formed after crowds swarmed into downtown and smashed their way into hundreds of stores in August is still investigating and making arrests four months later. They keep adding to the nearly 100 video clips they've posted online in the hopes someone might identify suspects. “The message (to suspects) is the task force isn’t quitting ... and you will eventually be found and arrested,” Deputy Chief Brendan Deenihan said. Just as detectives stitched together videos to follow two men who allegedly participated in the attack on Smollett, Looting Task Force detectives followed suspects as they moved from store to store.
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Review cites 'operational failures' in Smollett prosecution
“There were not thousands of (or, arguably any) similar cases” resolved by Foxx's office the way they resolved Smollett’s case, Webb said. And Smollett, Webb noted, was able to walk away without admitting any wrongdoing. Webb said Foxx began speaking to her before suspicions were raised that Jussie Smollett may have staged the attack on himself. “State’s Attorney Foxx then made false statements to the media claiming she ceased all communications with Ms. Smollett,” Webb concluded. The alleged false statements started to pile up.
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Foxx touts record as Smollett case engulfs Illinois primary
“The Jussie Smollett case was a pebble in the giant boulder of her career. She isn’t getting a fair shake.”Foxx is counting on more voters like Smith as she seeks a second term against three Democratic primary challengers who've seized on the Smollett case and a fractured relationship with police. Things worsened when the Smollett charges were dropped. Still, the Smollett case does resonate with some. Chicagoan Demetrius Williams, 35, voted for Foxx before but thinks Smollett got off easy and will support Conway.

Vivica A. Fox Hints at a Potential Jussie Smollett Cameo on the Final Season of 'Empire'
Could Jussie Smollett be making his return to Empire? Fox, who stars as Candace on the series, stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Sunday and opened up about Smollett's exit from Empire ahead of its sixth and final season. "That was tough," Fox admitted of creator Lee Daniels' decision to cut Smollett from the Fox series. Despite that drama, Fox said that "of course" she's still in touch with Smollett, adding, "I love him. RELATED CONTENT: 'Empire': Serayah Reacts to Jussie Smollett Not Returning for Season 6 (Exclusive) Embed Code RestartTerrence Howard Says He Misses Jussie Smollett on 'Empire': 'He Was the Heart of Our Show'How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonFox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

Judge refuses to dismiss Chicago lawsuit against Jussie Smollett
(CNN) - A federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the City of Chicago against actor Jussie Smollett, court documents show. A legal battle is being fought in federal court as Chicago seeks to recover more than $130,000 to cover police overtime during the investigation of Smollett's report of a hate crime attack in January. After police investigated the case for weeks, they said investigators believed Smollett staged the attack to bolster his profile and career. Tuesday, US District Judge Virginia Kendall denied Smollett's request to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase. Chicago's Department of Law filed the lawsuit in state court in April but the case was later moved to federal court.

Terrence Howard Says He Misses Jussie Smollett on 'Empire': 'He Was the Heart of Our
Terrence Howard is standing by Jussie Smollett even now that he's off Empire. "And then, out of nowhere, you know, he's snatched away from us," he continued. Jamal's absence in the sixth and final season has simply been explained by his mother, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), saying he left for London to escape the Lyon drama. When Empire does air its final episode, Howard plans to walk away from acting, something he said he's "dead serious" about. RELATED CONTENT:Terrence Howard Expresses Support for Jussie Smollett After Felony Charge: 'We Love the Hell Outta You'How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonFox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season
Warning: Spoilers below from Tuesday's final season premiere of Empire. Empire kicked off its sixth and final season without former star Jussie Smollett, but how did Fox's hip-hop drama explain his absence? In August, Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier hinted at how producers planned on addressing Smollett's abrupt absence in the show's final run, saying Jamal would be spending it in post-wedded bliss. "I'm running away [from acting] as quickly as possible to get to where I'm supposed to be. RELATED CONTENT:'Empire' Star Terrence Howard Says He's 'Running Away From Acting' After Final Season (Exclusive)Fox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonEmmys 2019: 10 Moments You Didn't See on TV

Judge rules on motions in Smollett case
CHICAGO - A Chicago judge Wednesday denied a request by Jussie Smollett's lawyers that a replacement judge be assigned in the former "Empire" actor's special prosecutor case, in addition to rejecting other motions put forward by Smollett's team. Judge Michael Toomin also denied a motion asking that Smollett's lawyers be allowed to intervene and argue other motions during the court appearance. Smollett's lawyers had hoped to use the brothers' testimony to reveal inconsistencies in their stories, as they are the only two witnesses in the case. Bodycam footage yields new detailsNo timeline has been provided for when Toomin will select a special prosecutor. In the case of a formal recusal, Toomin wrote, the court would have been responsible for appointing a special prosecutor.

Jussie Smollett Shows Cops Noose Around His Neck in Newly Released Video
Police just released nearly 70 hours of footage in the Jussie Smollett case, including video of him showing police the noose that was allegedly put around his neck. In the video, police arrive at Smolletts apartment after he called 911 and the noose can be seen around his neck. In the footage, he tells investigators two men shouted homophobic slurs at him and put the noose around his neck. In another newly released video, the brothers can be seen in hazmat suits inside a taxi. Chris Rock Wonders 'What the Hell' Jussie Smollett Was ThinkingJussie Smollett Indicted on 16 Counts by Grand Jury