Cook County Judge Throws Wrench In Crucial Part of Former “Empire” Actor Jussie Smollett’s Defense For Upcoming Trial

A Cook County judge has ruled that a crucial part of Jussie Smollett’s defense in his upcoming trial can’t be used. 

USA Today reported that the former Empire actor could not mention his previous lawsuits in the case, nor could Cook County Prosecutor Kim Foxx testify on his behalf per Judge James Linn on August 24.

Foxx dropped the 16-count indictment against Smollett in March 2019 after he was accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in Chicago in January 2019.

The prosecutor’s reputation was cooked after the decision.

Foxx said that her department did not break the law– though she admitted the prosecutor’s office made false claims regarding the case.

She addressed the public, saying, “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”

Special Prosecutor Daniel Webb reopened the case in February 2020, charging Smollett with “making four separate false reports to Chicago Police Department officers related to his false claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, knowing that he was not the victim of a crime.” 

The actor now faces six counts of disorderly conduct. He could face, per count, “a maximum jail sentence of 30 days and a fine of up to $1,500, or a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $2,500.

No trial date has been set, and  Smollett insists he is innocent of all charges.