Former Empire star Jussie Smollett is suing the City of Chicago for malicious prosecution. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, he is claiming that the City of Chicago created a narrative that painted him as the mastermind of a fake attack, which caused him humiliation, distress and cost him professionally.
Smollett told police in January that he was attacked by two men in a racist and homophobic attack. Police later claim it was staged and that Smollett planned it so he would raise his professional profile.
In March, prosecutors dropped the case. Throughout, Smollett has maintained his innocence, but allowed authorities to keep the $10K he paid in bail. His suit is a response to the City’s suit against Smollett to recoup the costs of the investigation.
