Jussie Smollett Decision Creates Pressure for State Attorney Kim Foxx in R. Kelly Case
By TheBlast Staff on March 30, 2019 at 9:45 AM EDT
The decision by prosecutors to drop the charges against Jussie Smollett has created a firestorm of criticism for Cook County State's Attorney, Kim Foxx, and we're told she's feeling the pressure as her office prepares for prosecution against R. Kelly.
Sources very close to the criminal case against R. Kelly in Chicago tell The Blast they have absolute faith in Foxx to handle the R. Kelly case effectively, despite the negative attention garnered by the "Empire" star.
It's no secret that the State Attorney and her team of prosecutors have been taking major heat from all sides after clearing Smollett, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and President Donald Trump.
She's even been scolded by prosecutorial organization who believe Foxx acted inappropriately by speaking with Michelle Obama's former aide, Tina Tchen.
The National District Attorneys Association claimed Foxx, "should not take advice from politically connected friends of the accused."
Foxx's office will now be handling the prosecution of Kelly, who has been charged with 10 counts of sexual misconduct.
In contrast to the Smollett case, Foxx has been very vocal about her disdain for Kelly's alleged acts, and has aggressively pursued a case against the singer.
Attorney Gerald Griggs, who represents the family of Kelly's alleged girlfriend, Joycelyn Savage, tells the Blast he believes Foxx "did a good job on the Jussie Smollett case," and has full confidence in her ability to handle Kelly.
We're told the consensus among those involved in the case is, "Everyone has faith that Foxx and her staff will handle the case effectively and properly."
As we reported, Kelly's camp believes he may have also been thrown a lifesaver because of the Michael Avenatti arrest. However, we're told the arrest of Avenatti, although he played a role in delivering alleged evidence against Kelly, will not have an impact because prosecutors have already made decisions on the evidence they've been presented.
