Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Jussie Smollett’s Conviction in Staged Hate Crime Case

The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction on Thursday, ruling that a special prosecutor’s involvement in the case was improper. Smollett had been found guilty in 2021 of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in Chicago and lying to police. The court decided that Cook County prosecutors were within their rights when they initially dropped charges against Smollett in 2019 in exchange for his $10,000 bond and community service. Justice Elizabeth Rochford, writing for the unanimous 5-0 decision, said the state must honor agreements it makes, even in controversial cases. The special prosecutor, Dan Webb, expressed disagreement with the ruling but clarified it had no bearing on Smollett’s innocence. Smollett, a Black and gay actor known for his role on the Chicago-based TV drama Empire, claimed in 2019 that two men attacked him, used slurs, and put a noose around his neck. The allegations sparked national outrage and a police investigation. Prosecutors later argued Smollett orchestrated the attack, paying two men $3,500 to stage the scene, allegedly upset over how the studio responded to hate mail he received. Testimony revealed Smollett instructed the men to yell slurs and shout “MAGA country,” referencing Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. Smollett...