As had been threatened, the city of Chicago sued Empire actor Jussie Smollett yesterday (April 11th) for the costs of the investigation into his claim of having been the victim of a racist and anti-gay attack, which officials say he orchestrated as a publicity stunt. Smollett refused the city’s demand that he pay $130,106 to reimburse Chicago, and the lawsuit is now requesting more than triple that.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago police were among those outraged when Cook County prosecutors suddenly dropped all 16 felony charges against Smollett, saying they believed they could prove the charges, but that it wasn’t worth the time and expense. Smollett didn’t admit wrongdoing — and in fact maintains he told the truth — but agreed to do some community service and forfeit $10,000 he’d paid in bond money.
