Do you still remember the alleged attention-seeker who tried to claim false narrative to get more fame? Well, Jussie Smollett is breaking his silence to maintain his innocence.
The "Empire" actor, who pleaded not guilty last month in Chicago to new charges stemming from his alleged hate crime hoax, made a rare statement about the ongoing case. The takeaway? "I am innocent," he proclaimed.
Hollywood news network, TMZ, caught up with the actor, who was accompanied by his lawyer at Los Angeles International Airport a few weeks ago, and he admitted that the situation, which he thought was behind him, is "definitely frustrating. It's fight or die at this point."
When asked if he still claims to be innocent, the 37-year-old actor shot back, "I don't claim to be innocent, I am innocent."
Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian said they have faith that "the system will eventually work."
The camera person brought up Smollett’s double jeopardy defense — his legal team is arguing that he shouldn't be charged by a special prosecutor with the six new counts because the initial 16 counts against him were dropped by the Cook County State's Attorney's office in March — asking whether that or the fact that he claims he's innocent is a better defense.
"The truth is the best defense," Smollett replied. "The truth, which they know nothing about."
On 29 January 2019, Smollett reported that he was the victim of a hate crime attack, claiming two masked men doused him with a chemical substance and put a rope around his neck. The police investigation soon turned to him amid accusations that he staged the attack, and he was ultimately charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false report. However, in a surprise move, the charges against him were then dropped by the Cook County State Attorney's office.
In addition to his criminal case, Smollett is in a legal battle with the City of Chicago. The city sued him in a civil case for US$ 130,000 to recoup the cost of the initial investigation and legal fees, claiming the actor should have to pay because it was a hoax.
Smollett, who has maintained his innocence, countersued the city claiming he was "maliciously" prosecuted and has suffered "humiliation" and "emotional distress" over the whole thing.
The "Empire" actor, who pleaded not guilty last month in Chicago to new charges stemming from his alleged hate crime hoax, made a rare statement about the ongoing case. The takeaway? "I am innocent," he proclaimed.
Hollywood news network, TMZ, caught up with the actor, who was accompanied by his lawyer at Los Angeles International Airport a few weeks ago, and he admitted that the situation, which he thought was behind him, is "definitely frustrating. It's fight or die at this point."
When asked if he still claims to be innocent, the 37-year-old actor shot back, "I don't claim to be innocent, I am innocent."
Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian said they have faith that "the system will eventually work."
The camera person brought up Smollett’s double jeopardy defense — his legal team is arguing that he shouldn't be charged by a special prosecutor with the six new counts because the initial 16 counts against him were dropped by the Cook County State's Attorney's office in March — asking whether that or the fact that he claims he's innocent is a better defense.
"The truth is the best defense," Smollett replied. "The truth, which they know nothing about."
On 29 January 2019, Smollett reported that he was the victim of a hate crime attack, claiming two masked men doused him with a chemical substance and put a rope around his neck. The police investigation soon turned to him amid accusations that he staged the attack, and he was ultimately charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false report. However, in a surprise move, the charges against him were then dropped by the Cook County State Attorney's office.
In addition to his criminal case, Smollett is in a legal battle with the City of Chicago. The city sued him in a civil case for US$ 130,000 to recoup the cost of the initial investigation and legal fees, claiming the actor should have to pay because it was a hoax.
Smollett, who has maintained his innocence, countersued the city claiming he was "maliciously" prosecuted and has suffered "humiliation" and "emotional distress" over the whole thing.
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