Jussie Smollett Charges Dropped Over Alleged Hoax, 'Empire' Star Maintains Claim He Was Attacked

UPDATE

10:05 AM PT -- FOX just released a statement in support of Jussie: "Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified that all charges against him have been dismissed."

Jussie Smollett is in the clear after prosecutors in Chicago dropped all charges against the "Empire" star over allegations he lied to police in faking an alleged hate crime against himself — and he is sticking to the story he was attacked.

According to reports, the state filed the motion to dismiss the case and the judge signed off. The judge also granted a motion to seal the case, according to Charlie De Mar of CBS Chicago.

Smollett is expected to speak to the media once the hearing has concluded.

His attorneys released a statement saying, "Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him. Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgment."

The statement continued, "Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result."

They concluded, "Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career.”

The Office of Cook County State’s Attorney released a statement 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."

A rep for Fox said "the studio and network have no comment."

A statement from Smollett's family reads, "Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character has been unjustly smeared. Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights, and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of. He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated. All charges have been dismissed and his record expunged (cleared). The painful incidents we’ve witnessed him endure over the past 7 weeks have been heartbreaking and unjust to say the least. While many were quick to rush to judgement before hearing the actual truth, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light. We look forward to bringing the real perpetrators to justice. We thank God and our village for standing by us during this trying time.”

Jussie Smollett entered a not guilty plea earlier this month to 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report.

The “Empire” star was accused of lying to police and staging the attack against him on January 29. He claimed two men came after him and screamed racist and homophobic slurs at him. He also claimed bleach was thrown on him and a noose.

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