Charges dropped against Jussie Smollett, attorneys say

Author: CBS News
Published:
FILE - In this May 20, 2016 file photo, actor and singer Jussie Smollett attends the "Empire" FYC Event in Los Angeles. Chicago police said Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, they're still seeking a follow-up interview with Smollett after receiving new information that "shifted" their investigation of a reported attack on the "Empire" actor. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
FILE – In this May 20, 2016 file photo, actor and singer Jussie Smollett attends the “Empire” FYC Event in Los Angeles. Chicago police said Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, they’re still seeking a follow-up interview with Smollett after receiving new information that “shifted” their investigation of a reported attack on the “Empire” actor. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Charges alleging that “Empire” actor” Jussie Smollett lied to police have been dropped, attorneys for Smollett say, The Associated Press reports.

Smollett was making an “emergency court appearance” Tuesday morning in Chicago, according to a media release. He and his lawyers were expected to speak to reporters at the courthouse following his appearance.

Smollett was charged earlier this month with 16 felony counts for falsely reporting a hate crime. Mark Geragos, an attorney for Smollett, called the indictment “vindictive” and “prosecutorial overkill.”

Smollett has insisted he is innocent.

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