Jussie Smollett’s Conviction In 2019 Attack On Himself Is Overturned

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police.

The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges.

The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett’s claims of innocence.

The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck.

Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago.

Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack.