Just because the Chicago State Attorney's office decided to drop all charges against Jussie Smollett doesn't mean all of his Empire co-workers believe he's innocent.
According to TMZ, "there are still people on the set — especially writers — who believe the dismissal of charges is a vindication, proving Jussie was a victim." However, "there are a number of people on the Empire set who [believe] Jussie staged the attack and are shocked by the lack of consequences and don't want him back on the show. They are especially offended Jussie allegedly faked the attack to squeeze more money out of producers."
While some cast members may not be sticking by Jussie's side, his Empire co-star Taraji P. Henson sure is. Speaking with USA TODAY on Tuesday (March 26), the 48-year-old actress revealed her thoughts on Jussie's charges being dropped. "I'm happy that the truth has finally been set free because I knew it all along. We’re all happy for him, and thank God the truth prevailed," she explained. "I know him and I know his track record. I’m not going to jump on clickbait just because someone says something derogatory about a person I know and love. I’m not easily swayed like that. Those little clickbait (reports) weren’t enough to deter me from his immaculate track record. I know the type of activism this young man does in his community, I know that he's a giver – he’s not an attention-seeker."
As fans know, the 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct against the 36-year-old Empire star were dropped on Tuesday. "Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him," the actor's legal team said in a statement, according to NBC. "Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgment. Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case, Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim, in this case, was the only just result."
While Jussie's case is technically closed, the FBI is still investigating the letter that was sent eights days before the "attack," to determine if Jussie sent the letter. If they find he did, in fact, send the letter to himself, he could face federal charges.
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