There is no doubt that the on-again-off-again Jussie Smollett case has been a terrible drawn-out event for both the City of Chicago and the former ‘Empire’ star. However, this past Wednesday a federal judge dismissed Smollett’s lawsuit against the city of Chicago and several police officers. In his suit, Smollet claimed that he was the victim of a malicious prosecution that caused him humiliation and extreme distress. With the dismissal of his case, it seems that he will have to continue to endure the escapade.
It seemed like Jussie Smollett may have not known that his case was going to be dropped. During quarantine Smollett emerged from his year-long social media sabbatical with some amazing virtual performances for fans. Known for his brilliant voice, he graced fans with a short rendition of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ in honor of the late legends birthday. Prior to that, in the wake of social distancing, he also shared a video of him singing while brushing up on his skills piano skills.
Many fans and Chicago citizens alike are wondering when it all will end as the city has more important matters to consider. To most, Smollett’s case is a low priority after a year of the city’s resources have been dedicated to the trial when they would be better suited for other loose ends such as the rising crime rate, displaced workers, and even the R. Kelly Prosecutions. Many of Smollett’s previous litigators have been elected out of office. Hopefully, with these new changes, the obsession will finally end.
Chicago’s new mayor Lori Lightfoot, the first black woman and the first openly gay person to lead the city, has expressed that she sides with public opinion on the matter. In a statement when she was elected last April, Lightfoot said, ‘I’m not going to comment on any pending litigation. Obviously, this was a decision that was made by the current mayor, Rahm Emanuel. We’ve got a lot of things on our plate, a lot of pressing issues that are truly affecting people’s lives. This doesn’t rank as a matter of any importance to me.’
Though Lightfoot is already proving to be a blunt, no-nonsense major perhaps her realizations will spread to others involved in the Jussie Smollet case. Kim Foxx, the Cook County State’s Attorney who has been responsible for the many turns of the prosecution, has tried to soften the severity of the trail. She has pointed out even if Smollett is convicted it’s a class 4 felony, the least serious category, which covers things like falsely pulling a fire alarm in school.
