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Jussie Smollett claims he is not capable of ‘one drop of what I’ve been accused of’
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Although there are many questions remaining about why Chicago prosecutors dropped the criminal case against Jussie Smollett, the “Empire” actor said unequivocally at a press conference Tuesday that he is not guilty the allegations previously against him.

“I would not be my mother’s son if if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of,” Smollett said to reporters outside of a Cook County courtroom Tuesday where prosecutors earlier that day dropped all 16 counts of disorderly conduct charges stemming from a purported assault on January 29 that authorities had previously accused Smollett of staging.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office released a statement about the surprise development in Smollett’s case, citing the actor’s role in the community as one reason why prosecutors dropped the charges against him.

“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.

As reported by CNN, Smollett’s lawyer Patricia Brown Holmes address the press outside the courtroom. She appeared to respond to questions from reporters about the condition that Smollett forfeit his $10,000 bond payment, insisting there was “no deal” made between her client and prosecutors.

“The state dismissed the charges,” Holmes said.

“I have no idea what occurred in this case and why it occurred. I can just say things seemed to spiral somewhat out of control. We’ve gotten to a result that is the right result in this case and we’re happy for that.”

It is not clear at this time if authorities are expected to make any arrests in the alleged hate attack against Smollett on January 29. Holmes noted to reporters that the Osundairo brothers, who were briefly detained in connection to the investigation, had admitted to participating in the alleged attack, and denied that her client paid them to stage an attack — insisting that a $3,500 check Smollett gave the brothers was for nutrition and fitness training.

“I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one,” Smollett later said to reporters, and thanked his supporters.

 

[Feature image: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File]