UPDATE! INDICTED!
The Grand Jury returned a True Bill on Wednesday, February 20th and Jussie Smollett has been indicted to stand trial for filing a false police report which is a felony in Illinois punishable by up to three years in Jail. The FBI has yet to complete their investigation on the much more serious federal charges regarding mailing the letter to the Empire lot.
Jussie Smollett is officially a suspect for filing a false police report with the Chicago Police Department. As I type this report, Chicago detectives are presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury. The charge is a class 4 felony. This report comes from Anthony Guglielmi the Chief Communications Officer with the Chicago Police department.
Grand Jury Testimony
Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo and their attorney arrived at the courthouse to testify before the Grand Jury at approximately 4:45 central time. The Grand Jury convened yesterday. However, something happened to interrupt it and/or to delay it from starting. A black, female states attorney recused herself from the Smollett case. There is some backlash for this decision. I think that is exactly what she should do if she has a bias for or against the potential defendant.
Other major developments today include discovery of video tape of brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo purchasing ski masks, gloves, and the red hats (meant to be confused with MAGA hats). A CBS Chicago journalist, Charlie De Mar discovered the footage calling and visiting multiple stores asking about the purchases.
My colleague @vincefloress who is at courthouse says brothers and their attorney walked into Grand Jury room at 3:46. @cbschicago https://t.co/GT6h2g6Y9a
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 20, 2019
In addition, several items recovered from the brother’s home are being investigated by the FBI. The items of interest include a magazine and stamps that are being tested in connection with the threatening letter. These the results of testing could result in federal mail charges. CBS Chicago reports that the brothers told police that Jussie was involved with the sending of the letter.
Jussie Smollet Has Lied To Police Before!
Also coming out today is a 2007 event in LA where Jussie was pulled over for possible DUI and driving without at license. At the time he was pulled over, he gave the police his brother’s name and falsified his signature.
The Grand Jury is still hearing evidence and this story is still developing. I will update when further information becomes available.
We have been discussing this subject none stop in the comments of THIS POST if you need to get caught up on the twists and turns of this case.
Here is the full press conference. It starts around the seven minute mark
Wow. I got flammed all over the internet for questioning him when conflicting details first came out. I was called a racist and homophobe, both things that I’m not even close to being. His story just never added up to me and many others, and the divide almost caused a race war for what..attention? If he had issued a statement saying he was attacked and that was it, I still would have believed it happened to this day, but he had to make a mockery of the media and Chicago Police Department. Hopefully he gets the help he needs and also gets prosecuted to the fullest. This is the opposite of what our country needs right now.
I hear you!
When I go back and read all the self righteous comments when the story FIRST broke, makes me remember why I got so sick of these commenters, not all, tho.
I didn’t even comment here at first because I can read my audience and I knew my POV would not be appreciated. But I use Twitter and comment on a different celebrity gossip site, and man was it brutal. I am totally for believing the victim until there are reasons not to. And Jussie provides many reasons to doubt his story.
So did everyone who dare think for themselves and use common sense to say something didn’t seem right with his story. There are a lot of us out here JustJenn
Yeah, I couldn’t wrap my head around people losing their ever-loving minds for having a different opinion of the events of that night.
Me too!! A real tragic case!! Especially when all the politicians starting siding with him…..!
When I first heard of Jussie’s accusations, I held my tongue. I knew better than to comment on what was obviously a hoax (he held onto his Subway Sandwich??) I didn’t want to subject myself to those that take the victim’s side before knowing all the facts. Now, the folks that were so quick to scream racism and homophobia are either ignoring the subject or making excuses for someone who has no regard for the truth.
This is so insane! And to add to the insanity, there were like 20 detectives assigned to this case! You know this is a big city and resources are tight, how many crimes were put on the back burner because of this HOT MESS?!
And, I won’t comment with any ‘updates’ on old posts because I just need to wait five minutes and you’re publishing a new report.
You must have me confused with Page Six. My first post was four weeks ago. This is the third post I have made..
I KNOW that! No shit, TT. I live in Chicago and have posted on them all.
Warrior!! You will agree NOBODY would yell “this is maga country” in Streeterville! That’s my hood…
I knew from Day 1 this was BS.
When I get back from Newport Beach, we gotta meet. Maybe at that Subway on Wabash as a tribute to the scam… ha ha ha
We’ll take a pic and send it to TT!
Love Streeterville, wish I could afford to live there.
Hi Gigi! I am in need of some sun and warm temps! I’m sure you won’t be back soon 😉
Subway is sooooo gross, but I will take a pic!
I’ll find you when I get back. I was just kidding on that Subway. It’s disgusting!!!!! It’s not warm down here BTW. Been raining and cold for a month now. I’m NOT complaining tho…..
I still believe him?????
Bless your heart, Blessed.
@Blessed: I am truly curious as to why you still believe him? Not judging or being sarcastic, but just truly curious.
Am holding on to hope that the world is not as bad as it seems that someone cannot do this type of horrible thing.
I refuse to come out of my fantasy world where people are good….?????
Chicago Police are now saying they have the check he wrote to the brothers for doing this. He wrote a check? Wow.
Not the sharpest pin in the box
What exactly do you “believe”? Sincere question.
Are u for real?? Lmfao!! Get it together. This is what this asshole did. He fooled a lot of people. Dont be a fool.
@Blessed: Thanks for responding. Do you still feel that way after the new information from this morning?
Again, not judging. Just curious.
Here should be the takeaway, the vast majority of people are decent, we only pay attention to the outliers.
When Hurricane Micheal hit the area, I had moments when I was happy to see people with a Gollum for Gov and Trump people helping each other…wishing everyone to be safe.
Things work both ways, my husband did not vote for Hillary, I am not sure if he voted for Trump…I voted Libertarian. We live outside Tallahassee in the country. We are the first turnaround when people realize they are headed to BFE.
Two young black guys drove into a ditch, both were underage driving a rental car… I had my daughter and did not stop but called my husband … because late at night. He went down and couldn’t pull the car out of ditch… drove them around looking for a sister who was at a FAMU party ( I will add the boys were flamboyant and proud of being Miami gay). They found the sister and a couple of people were really hateful to my husband ( we don’t do bumper stickers, no way to identify my husband is an Independent who leans conservative).
The boy’s sister and the boys were really nice and appreciated his help… he literally spent hours helping them. They were nice people and he called for help ( people with better equipment) so the cops would not be involved… the boys were not drinking just looking for their sister. I don’t know how they explained the damage to the rental agency?♀️
Like I said, I am not sure how he voted because I was pretty adamant I would not vote for Hillary or Trump.
Trump is president and the vast majority of people in this country are decent… we may disagree on issues. One thing that bugs the crap out of me… the military “ Trans ban”
Trump can say the right thing in the worst way possible… I take daily medication for my thyroid and have done so since I was 23. I was disqualified from military service. If you take ANY daily medication which prohibits you from deployment you can’t join military. So many young people trying to get off ADD/ ADHD meds. The “ Transban” is a continuation of policy that has to do with hormone therapy… you are free to identify and join. We ALL need to be more careful with words and God knows Trump needs to be more articulate ?
Sorry for rant, just think about shit before you make judgements. I would gladly bake a cake for a Gay wedding but I will also support people who object on religious grounds. Get real Obama was I. His second term before he evolved on Gay marriage… my husband was way ahead of him on the issue ( at least publicly) .
Like I said it was a difficult election but it is over… Trump is president and most of his voters are not racist/ homophobic POS and the people who are … Trump didn’t make them that way, they were sad and ignorant before Trump.
Thank you for your thoughtful, true post. False reports like this only make the divisions worse. There are too many made up stories like this. I hope he is made an example of just to deter others from doing the same. In my opinion, all crimes are hate crimes. Color and sexual orientation really don’t matter to everyone I know here in the Midwest. I know Jussie wants us to believe differently but it just is not true. Most people are—like iitwasjulie and her husband—ARE GOOD people.
Itwasjulie, I live in Lynn Haven (right outside PC, one of the “bedroom”communities) and I have 4/5 people on my street either living in part of their houses or in campers in their driveways. We were lucky. My new fence is up, the roofer is coming and one of my new doors has arrived. Husband and I are Hillary people and he is a hunter (dog hunter, lease in Calhoun), former NRA member and an enlightened Good Ol’Boy. He’d have done the same as your husband for those kids. I held back on commenting on Jussie’s “attack” because I was fooled on the Native American vet/Christian School kid thing. I will not jump to conclusions anymore. That said, I am sad for Jussie and hope he and his career recover….
All of this!!!!!
Well said, Itwasjulie. Thank you for posting something that makes sense.
This really disappoints me. GENUINELY. And as someone who doesn’t have a lot of feelings in general, to be disappointed by a random celebrity is quite something.
While all around us in 2019 we have representation, I thought this guy was a handsome, regular, successful gay guy who I could look to as someone that proves when you’re gay, you don’t have to be out there, or ridiculous, or a drag queen or whatever stereotypes we have thrown at us in the media. Just a regular, handsome, successful talented guy who just so happened to be gay. An icon to show we didnt have to be ridiculed or over the top or want to wear a dress. Eugh, I know it sounds juvenile, like a high schooler looking for someone to look up to but you know, there’s not a lot out there. Tis a sad day for me. Sigh.
???
Hoax Schmoax. He will forever be the victim. This is Crook (Cook) County afterall. #illinoissucks
Omg!!! He is a victim of absolutely nothing!!! He had a career and people who really thought highly of him now he has nothing!!! He lied bottom line! And he did this for what?? Cause he didnt like what he was getting paid on empire? Hes a shit person! And so are u if u cant see what the fuck he did.
Kim Foxx is THE Cook County States Attorney. It’s kinda a big deal she recused herself but her reasoning seems makes sense. When the attack was first reported she acted as a go between facilitating between CPD and Smollett’s side. She says she doesn’t want to show bias. It’s controverisal because she is recently elected and some people feel she’s acting like a typical Chicago politician and trying to push off a potentially untenable case.
She’s friends with Kamala and feels she can’t be impartial. Beyond interesting…
Life changing. Absolutely life changing. What Jussie has done has dramatically changed the path his life is taking. And, for what? To make Trump and MAGA look bad? There are some that believe he did it at the bequest of Senator Kamala Harris for a law she is pushing. I tend to lean “conspirist”, and even I think that is crazy talk, but I really can’t figure out what Jussie thought he would personally gain from doing this. Reading about his 2007 arrest and how he manipulated the truth I believe he was never as good of a person many believed he was.
100% Jussie needs to be charged with a felony. What he did is textbook reading of the law. Because he is a celebrity, and because so many think (thought?) he was a good person, does not absolve him from the law.
He is going to get what he deserves. He planned it. He did it. He needs to be held accountable.
I wish I could understand what’s going on with Jussie. This is so very disturbing. I hope he gets the help he needs.
Help? Jussie intended to damage a group of people. I don’t care about his help. He needs to be accountable for what he did. He planned it and didn’t care who it hurt.
correction: allegedly intended to damage a group of people. IF, after getting due process, Jussie has been proven guilty then he should be held accountable.
I’m not sure we’re getting the full story yet but the grand jury decision today does give credence to the allegations.
Here’s the thing about indictments: the grand jury almost always indicts because the defense isn’t allowed to defend the defendant. They hear the police officer’s and district attorney’s side mostly, and if they believe there is enough cause for the matter to go to trial, they indict. It does not mean the defendant is guilty. Jussie is innocent until proven guilty, period.
Do I believe he falsified the police report? Yes. I also believe he deserves a fair trial, and I’m not sure he can get one now that the world is reading proffesions of his guilt by the media.
The bottom line is that indictments don’t equal guilt. He is innocent until proven guilty. Every American citizen is innocent until proven guilty under a court of law.
On a personal note, when I was arrested and indicted for drug possession, of which I was guilty, I happened to overhear a conversation between my attorney and the district attorney wherein she stated that I must have been distributing because of the amount of pills I had, so she was going to try and add that to the charges.
I was absolutely not distributing, and that just goes to show you that even when you are guilty, you may not be guilty of everything being thrown at you. Our justice system is stacked so heavily against the defendant that they go down for offenses they either never committed or were pure conjecture on the part of the district attorney.
So guilty or not, it’s fucking wrong to assume and exaggerate an offense for which there is not iron clad proof that it occurred, and while Jussie should be punished if he did commit these offenses, I’d rather he walk free than do time for something he did not do.
I think Jussie under estimated the quality and intelligence of the Chicago police force. No one is going to go out in the cold in January for a Subway sandwich maybe a deep dish pizza .
And it’s definitely not maga country.
It still boggles my mind that he thought he would get away with it and why in the world would he do something so stupid.
As a Chicago resident I’d like to think that most of us are not racist or homophobic because it such a diverse city . Iit is the corrupt politicians that a lot of people don’t like
I had really hoped the brothers had lied and said he was involved just to cover their own ashes, but it just keeps getting worse. I just can’t understand why someone would do this for attention when he could lose everything if found out.
Update: Charges have been approved for filing a false police report which is a felony.
What Jussie did wasn’t just bad for him — it was bad for the people who supported him and those close to him.
Also, as I mentioned before and firmly believe … Jussie exposed the MSM, politicians, and the left for their bias against MAGA. This was bad for our country, bad for the Chicago police and FBI, and especially bad for those close to him. Imagine how devastated his family is.
It will be interesting to hear from him tomorrow. He will have to be present tomorrow at 1:30 for an arraignment. How will this work, Tamara? Will they determine bail then.
He only exposed himself. Stop trying to make this something it’s not. Law enforcement dictates the narrative. The media reported as the story unfolded, including the story of Smollett’s undoing.
The MSM chooses the headlines and how they report the story. When they thought it was a hate crime the leftist media couldn’t report it enough. Now that it was proven false the media will report it but not with the intensity they previously did.
And, yes, this absolutely exposed the bias of the leftist media and politicians.
I saw three headlines yesterday. This one, that poor Catholic schoolboy filing suit against Washington Post, and one about a couple that had a gun pulled on them for wearing a MAGA hat. If anyone thinks the press and Hollywood elite haven’t declared full on war against the right that makes this stuff not only fairly commonplace but socially acceptable then you need to open your eyes. What ever happened to everyone is entitled to their own political and social opinion? It’s crazy.
How was it bad for the Chicago PD? Seems to me that they let the facts tell the story and they did not jump to conclusions. The media reports what they think will bring in ratings. Even local news does this to a degree. But this had been prominent on CNN.com since the beginning.
Why? Why? Why would anyone do this for any reason?
If there is a Grand Jury then they usually already have enough evidence to convict you. The Grand Jury basically convicts you before you are tried, they decide on all the charges, then you are fucked.
It’s like somebody thought up what the worst possible, racist human would look like and act then made a list and presented it to the CPD.
What NEVER made sense to me was that if someone had put a noose around my neck, the second I got away from them it would be off my neck and thrown far enough away to where they could not get it back and put it back around my neck.
Something isn’t adding up. This just doesn’t make any sense at all. None.
Can anyone help me here? What would be his motivation?
Why isn’t anyone talking about the MANAGER of Jussie? Didn’t he state he was on the phone with Jussie when it all went down? I totally think the manager planned the whole thing and Jussie unfortunately chose to go along with it, for whatever reason. I am truly so disappointed in the who,e thing. So very sad and what a waste of talent.
I have the same question about the manager. I think It is likely the manager has been interviewed, but the officials are saving info for trial.n
WTF was this guy thinking??? In a country as crazed as the U.S., with its Barbeque Beckys, and Permit Pattys,, that strangles people to death for selling loosies, where attacks on LGBTQ is commonplace, who the fuck is Jussie Smollett to choose this terrible time to imitate Tawana Brawley? I was curious what could possibly motivate this asshole, but realize it doesn’t matter because it boils down to his own self-centered bullshit. God I hate performers sometimes. It’s like people like Asia Argento or Rose McGowan hogging the mike and making “issues” about themselves while real people in the real fucking world pay the price.
When this first was reported, I will quote my neighbor Todd, a 6’8” retired Navy Chief who is black (his words) and straight outta Newark. He said “Ain’t no damn brother out at 2 am, during a polar vortex, going to get a damn Subway sandwich. Ain’t fucking happening. This blank done made this shit up.” I reserved judgement because whenever this crap happens, everyone gets their knickers twisted and the truth usually sees the light of day.
Todd sounds like the kind of guy I would love to sit and listen to. I enjoy people with strong opinions who see right through nonsense. I always admire and am grateful for our service men and women.
RHONJ is LIT LIT LIT!! I can’t wait for Tamara’s recap. OMG.
It was a shit show for sure.
1. It doesn’t really matter whether anybody believed or doubted this story. What matters, is that one can use critical and true analytical thinking in spite of politics or the media. This is especially true when you have strong emotional feelings.
2. Mr Smollett got caught up in the standard way of thinking of extremism/ists. Specifically, “the ends justify the means”. Career criminals have this tendency. He is not “unwell”, mentally ill, or anything of the sort. This guy would do it again. No remorse or understanding of how crazy his plan (s) is. He did this because he couldn’t deal with waiting, or working toward everyone thinking as he does. Hundreds and thousands of years of thinking need time to change. I think we’re doing really well in under 2 generations. Of course, from where we sit, injustice could do better. But it’s niave and shameful to force a shift in thinking by STAGING YOUR OWN LYNCHING.
The guy deserves jail, long term removal from the public eye, and at some point, our compassion. That’s it, and it’s enough.
I see he has been charged now. I was surprised there were no mail charges. I just don’t understand how the brothers are free if there were indeed cut up magazines in their apartment and no immunity.
I saw the brothers attorney being interviewed and she is definitely setting them up for a big pay day tell all – she wouldn’t share a thing and was building up the intrigue.
She wasn’t building up the intrigue for a big pay day. She is keeping her mouth shut because her clients are under Federal investigation by the FBI for the letter. As is Jussie. That investigation is ongoing.
Sigh. Somebody call Iyanla, Jussie is in trouble and is just not right. I am beyond disgusted, I had such respect for Jussie. I wanted Jussie to win, this is so sad and fucked up. The stunts and shows are so 2006, I just can’t.
So… we gunna unblock Patti??? ?
Nah but I’d be happy to send your ass to sit next to her in the WLS..
I’ve been a loyal reader for probably about 10 years. I’ve sent you support and stuck around even when I disagree with you. Simply asking about the outcome of a public confrontation does not seek me worthy of The WallLicking Section or any vitriol from you at all. I’ve been here supporting you & Banjo for ages.
Deem*
Hope she doesn’t send you to the WLS, Victoria.
He was arrested this morning around 5:30 a.m.
Did the SWAT team come get him like they did for Roger Stone? Was CNN there too?
I’m confused though. Was he charged or was he indicted? The state attorney charges you for a crime but the grand jury indicts. The last report I heard was that the grand jury failed to return an indictment. Is this incorrect?
Here’s what I could find from NBC Chicago:
“A police spokesperson originally told NBC 5 Smollett had been indicted by a Cook County grand jury. The felony charge, however, was approved by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.“
I think the grand jury has been postponed.
I added the youtube of the press conference to the post. It begins just before minute seven. I’m still listening as they go through the entire timeline and am not up to the arrest portion yet.
Start around 22. It is basically what you said. It looks like for some reason the charged him prior to the grand jury deliberating??? I’m still listening.
Christ on a Ritz, is the superintendent of police trying to throw this case? I’m only at the beginning but his statement is extremely inflammatory and he will be accused of trying this case in The press and tainting the jury pool and defense lawyers will would be nuts not to ask for a change of venue
Police Superintendent Johnson did a great job today. He was emotional and passionate. He expressed his anger as a lifelong Chicago resident and black man.
As they laid out the timeline I became more and more impressed with how much the police did to investigate what, we now know, is being charged as a false report. I was already angry but seeing so many resources wasted made me more emotional, both angry and sad. This was allegedly premeditated by Jussie. There was a tremendous level of planning. What Jussie reportedly did undercuts real victims.
Superintendent Johnson also asked the journalists to give the hoax as much coverage as they gave the alleged hate crime. This publicity stunt received national attention from celebrities, news commentators, and even the President. I feel the MSM, politicians, and celebrities rushed to judgement and facilitated Jussie’s story becoming a top story for weeks. Now they have the facts. Will they report honestly? Will the reporting be just as vigorous as it was when they thought it was a hate crime? Are they going to spin it? CNN’s Lemon has already tried to spin it by saying Jussie was a victim because he lost in the court of public opinion due to his representatives not handling the public well.
Lemon: “He lost because — not his fault. Maybe people were — I don’t know what they were saying to him, maybe because of his representatives. Who knows? But it was handled poorly,” Lemon told the panel.
Not his fault? Jussie didn’t lose because it was handled poorly. Jussie lost because hard working detectives and police in Chicago caught him.
Was anyone surprised that Jussie’s alleged motive was higher pay?
Greedy, selfish, hateful, sociopath, narcissist …
Per the Chicago PD briefing, he staged the attack because he was dissatisfied with his salary.
The wounds appear to be self inflicted.
AND the Police have the $3,500 check he issued to pay the brothers.
Goodbye forever.
Unbelievable. This is all so bizarre and leave you mind boggled with questions of why?, why?, why?. For what purpose? Why would the two brothers go along with the hoax? All of them should be charged. This is Cuckoo nest stuff, for sure. He is presume innocent, until proven guilty in a court of criminal law. If this was a civil court case, Jussie ass would be done. By the preponderance of the evidence would bite him in the ass royally.
This asshole had a lot going for him. Now he has nothing. For what?? He didnt like what he was getting paid on empire??? Gtfo! He obviously isnt an advocate for the LGBTQ community. Hes a slap in the face to all of those who are actually VICTIMS. Hes a fucking sociopath. That’s what they do lie,lie, lie!!! He will never come clean. Hope they throw the book at him. What a fucking fraud. And to all the stupids who still say u believe him. You need your head checked.
Not the sharpest pencil in the box
Did Jussie think crimes don’t get investigated? Has he ever watched any true crime show? What about Judge Judy? He wrote and signed checks to the brothers? I am so confused how Jussie thought all this would be believable?
Does anyone else think he may have a mental illness or on drugs?
I read that he had been paying one of the brothers for training him, and wrote on the memo line that this check was for training. It sounds like in his mind he thought he could write that on the memo line & it would appear as a legit reason for the payment. If it wasn’t in line w/other “training” payments though it would be a red flag. I still can’t believe he did any of it. I believed his story. He did not think this through at all. Having phone calls/texts before & after the “attack” with the brothers, then trying to turn in partial phone records to police….ALL just beyond stupid. I’m still in shock that Jussie was behind it.
Wow! Interesting….I didn’t know he tried to cover it up by writing “training” on the memo line!
I think Jussie should get the same punishment the two white women got last year for making false reports that they were attacked by Black men…..1 years probation and restitution payments to the city.
I think that since the sentence guidlines specify one year or up to three in jail he should at least have the full year. And I’m not sure what else could warrant the three year sentence if not this …
So I just heard on the local news here that he was unhappy with his salary. He did this stunt hoping he could get more money per episode. He was makes 65,000 per episode says the newscaster.
The city prosecute laid out the entire case in such detail. This is rare and extraordinary for the prosecution to do.
The prosecution had to be precise and exact in their charges in order to eliminate any accusations of racism, homophobia or any other injured “victim” bias.
The truth will always come out.
A good lawyer may try to create reasonable doubt saying the check was for personal training services. The plot COULD have been made up by the brothers without influence from Jussie. Or maybe not. There is room for spinning and fudging and creating doubt.
If salary dissatisfaction was th root of this, it sure is a convoluted way to try to,get a raise. With no guarantee.
Looking at the brothers I wonder about steroids. JUST LOOKING at Jussie, something seems off. Steroids? If so it could become a “Twinkie defense” circus. I just want THE TRUTH.
I made one comment about his motive, I believe in an earlier TT post. Was it for salary, or ego, or as I believe, a way to propel others to think like him, and garner the attention and adoration? I liken him to an extremist in ISIS, anti abortionists, or even the klan- the “act” justifies the means. He is not mentally ill- any more than those who believe in extremism.
That said, besides this kid getting what he deserves (I feel for those that live in divided areas with a history, like Chicago) we should also get a petition for getting rid of Don Lemmon! So over that pansy, shallow, boring, entitled blow hard. If we don’t can him, fine. But his rhetoric, and others that are not principled in their discussions will drive us straight to another 4 years of the Donald. Seriously. This situation is another wake up call.