Jussie Smollett's lawsuit against Chicago dismissed by judge until his own trial is over
Smollett was re-indicted in February after being charged with fabricating a racially motivated assault
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jussie Smollett’s lawsuit against the City of Chicago has been dismissed until criminal proceedings against him have ended.
US District Court Judge Virginia Kendall ruled that the former Empire actor’s malicious prosecution lawsuit cannot move forward while his own legal case is still open, Smollett having been re-indicted in February on grounds of fabricating a racially charged assault.
Smollett has pleaded not guilty to these charges, with the judge ruling on Wednesday that he can refile his case against the City of Chicago if he is found not guilty in his upcoming trial.
In January 2019, Smollett told police that he had been beaten by two men in a racist and homophobic attack.
However, Chicago police said that the attack was staged and charged the actor with making a false claim, later suing him for more than £105,000 ($130,000).
Smollett countersued in November, claiming that his treatment at the hand of a malicious prosecution had caused him extreme distress.
In March, the 37-year-old returned to social media for the first time since June 2019 to share a clip as he sang Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun” from coronavirus quarantine.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments