Jussie Smollett remains on the outs with some of his Empire family, despite his recent legal win.
The fact that the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office dropped all charges against the FOX show’s star, who had been accused of allegedly orchestrating his January Chicago attack, is still not enough for some of the series’ cast and crew to welcome the disgraced actor back with open arms.
Related: Celebs Celebrate Jussie Smollett’s Charges Being Dropped!
Production sources tell TMZ that there are a few writers who side with the actor, and believe the dismissal of charges is a vindication, proving Jussie was a victim the entire time.
On the other hand, many of the cast and crew still believe he staged the attack, and are shocked by the lack of consequences. They are reportedly especially offended over previous claims that the 36-year-old allegedly faked the incident to squeeze more money out of producers, and do not want him to return for the show’s sixth season.
One thing that both sides have in common here, is that everyone is thrilled to be done with the case because it was viewed as a threat to the show’s future. And their concerns are valid too, as the letter sent to Jussie on set eight days before the attack is still reportedly being investigated by the FBI, and could still potentially mean federal charges for the actor if he was behind it and more negative press for Empire.
As we previously told you, show creator Lee Daniels recently spoke out about how the “roller coaster” ride of events really took a toll on the show’s cast and crew. He explained:
“Me and my cast have experienced pain and anger and sadness and frustration and really don’t know how to deal with it. You know? Cause it happened, everything has happened, what you are seeing tonight, prior to the incident. And this is not what the show was made for.”
Maybe it really is time for Jussie to move on to another gig… although that may be tough considering many of his career prospects dried up in the midst of the drama.
Related: Twitter Is FURIOUS Over Jussie Smollett’s Charges Being Dropped!
On the legal side of things, the prosecutor who oversaw the investigation into the alleged hate crime and dropped charges against the disgraced actor on Tuesday is clarifying that he “does not believe [Smollett] is innocent.”
In an interview with CBS Chicago, First Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Joseph Magats, who headed up the investigation after the State’s Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself, said that dropping the charges does not vindicate Smollett. He did his best to explain why the charges were ultimately dropped, saying:
“Based on all the facts and circumstances, based on his life and criminal background. I mean, we defer and do alternative prosecutions. In the last two years, we’ve done 5,700 other felony cases.”
Wait, so does this mean Jussie’s case could be considered for an alternative prosecution?
The State’s Attorney’s office clarified its stance even further in another statement released to NBC5 Chicago (below):
“In the last two years, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has referred more than 5,700 cases for alternative prosecution. This is not a new or unusual practice. An alternative disposition does not mean that there were any problems or infirmities with the case or the evidence. We stand behind the Chicago Police Department’s investigation and our decision to approve charges in this case. We did not exonerate Mr. Smollett. The charges were dropped in return for Mr. Smollett’s agreement to do community service and forfeit his $10,000 bond to the City of Chicago.”
Speaking of that community service, we have more details on how the actor reportedly paid his dues.
Sources speaking to TMZ confirm that Jussie completed a total of 18 hours of community service over two days with Jesse Jackson‘s organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Members of the human and civil rights organization claim that he put in eight hours of work on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and just completed another 10 hours on Monday. His service included stuffing membership envelopes, working in the group’s bookstore to sell merchandise, and critiquing its Saturday broadcast. He also helped them with camera angles, and worked with the music director on a plan to build the choir.
Sounds very much like his (former?) on-screen character Jamal Lyons!
Perezcious readers, what do you guys think about all of this?
Sound off in the comments (below)!
[Image via Adriana M. Barraza/WENN]