Kim Foxx subpoenaed to appear at hearing on appointment of special prosecutor in Jussie Smollett cas

[rocktivity]

Last edited Sun Aug 30, 2020, 12:33 PM - Edit history (5)

Source: Chicago Tribune

A lawyer seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the handling of the Jussie Smollett prosecution subpoenaed Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx and her top deputy...to appear at the first court hearing on the matter. Sheila O'Brien, a former appellate judge, also filed a "notice to appear" in an attempt to get Smollett to attend the hearing...as well...

At an unannounced hearing March 26, prosecutors abruptly dropped all charges against Smollett with little explanation, sparking a firestorm of criticism and calls for Foxx's resignation by the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police. Just weeks earlier, the "Empire" actor, who is African-American and openly gay, had been indicted on 16 counts of disorderly conduct alleging he staged a racial and homophobic attack on himself.

O'Brien, saying she had no agenda "other than seeking the truth and restoring public confidence" in Foxx's office and Cook County courts, filed a petition earlier this month seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate how Foxx's office handled Smollett's prosecution. Her petition said that Foxx's actions created "an appearance of impropriety, a perception that justice was not served here, that Mr. Smollett received special treatment."

O'Brien also is asking that a judge from outside Cook County...decide her request for a special prosecutor.

Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-jussie-smollett-kim-foxx-special-prosecutor-20190426-story.html

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In addition to the appearance of collusion with the defendant's family, there's the issue of Smollett getting a diversion-based first offender plea deal though he wasn't a first offender: Twelve years ago, he got a plea deal for DUI and for -- wait for it! -- lying to the cops: he used, and forged, the name of one of his brothers.

Foxxy's spokesperson and two of her deputies have since announced their departures from the DA's office. Well, she can always follow Jussie's lead and scream racism.


rocktivity

[snowybirdie]

1. Born in Chicago

Live nearby now. I just can't understand why this particular case is generating so much media time, and taking time away from the criminal justice professionals' real duties. Chicago has a crime problem. This story is over! Let's move on to lowering the real statistics.

[nycbos]

4. It involves celebrity gossip.

Brings in good ratings I suppose.

[Freethinker65]

5. This is a PR disaster for all involved

Smollet most likely embellished, if not outright manufactured, the incident. The police devoted way too much time and effort to it hoping for good publicity (there were other possible hate crimes committed in the city that received little to no investigation during the Smollett fiasco, not to mention other crimes occurring). Kim recused, because she knew or has spoken to Smollet and/or his family and friends. The prosecutors office had evidence of false statements but also knew the actions of the police investigators and leaking to the media might end up costing the city more money if the case was pursued. Smollett, his career now threatened, took an easy out with community service, a fine, and no admission of anything, to make it go away.

But there is still money to made...the brothers identified as the "attackers" are suing Smollett's attorney, and politicians will try to raise funds off of it, etc.

What a waste of time and energy for the city.

Does anyone still watch Empire? I was hooked for the first couple of seasons then just stopped watching.

[lunasun]

19. Well the Nigerian brothers do have something to fear if they return to Nigeria after Smollett 's

lawyer went on Tv shows after the case claiming one of the brothers had a sexual affair with Smollett because he could get killed when returning to Nigeria so I see why they are suing
Plus his lawyers also publicly defamed their body building business sayin they were steroid dealers which will financially impact the brothers work
I would sue too.
His lawyers were so over the top after the case trying to still howl about Smollett ‘s innocence . He should have just slinked away but no his lawyers after the case was dismissed had to go on a smear campaign still . He is the one that kept this going with the brothers imo

[oldsoftie]

14. Because HIS lies took hundreds of hours away from those real duties.

And he should be punished. And no, "He's already sufffered enough in the eyes of the public" is NOT enough.
I guarantee you he could get booked to perform somewhere right now. Thats how people are with celebrity.

[loves_da_dems]

2. Did you see his interview on ABC?

He was assaulted because he's a gay African-American, and anti-MF45. That was a a man telling the truth. It was racism. Foxx was just trying to right a miscarriage of justice. It's well known that the Chicago PD is a hot bed of racism.

[Fix The Stupid]

3. lol...whatever...joined just to post this? again, lol. n/t

[Codeine]

10. K.

[FiveGoodMen]

12. And he would never lie...

[oldsoftie]

15. You forgot the sarcasm thingy. ANd if you're serious, you forget his friends admitted doing it.

So you'd be a HUGE failure there.

[Dr. Strange]

18. And Mike Nifong was railroaded!1!!11

[Blue_Tires]

6. Instead of trying to grind some political axes

perhaps the time of Chicago's legal system would be better spent trying to find some real criminals...

[Quackers]

7. I'm honestly surprised so many willing to let Smollett slide on this.

A rich celebrity breaks the law, is given special treatment, and people are ok with that? Wtf? For those claim he’s innocent, fine! Unseal the record and let the evidence be seen.

[Fix The Stupid]

8. Thank you.

No integrity with these people who want to let him slide.

Change the race and this place would be calling for life in prison.

This is why identity politics is a losing proposition and why some people dismiss the left as hypocritical.

I *thought* I was as left as they come, but more and more this place is making the left look ridiculous...

Almost by design? hmmm...

If this is the "left" today, count me out.

[oldsoftie]

16. I'm glad YOU said it.

But dont be surprised if your comment gets hidden. Because its more about feelings these days than in the past.
You can get a hide for stating an actual fact if its a fact people dont wanna hear.

[RandiFan1290]

9. He should get the same punishment as Ashley Todd

No more no less.

[Quackers]

11. I would just like to see it brought before the court and the evidence presented.

By dropping all charges and then sealing the case reeks of privilege just because he was a celebrity.

[oldsoftie]

17. Todd was a first offender, Smollett is not.

Plead no contest to several charges in '07 and had 2 yrs probation.

[W T F]

13. Going by AG Barr's behavior, I don't think she has to show up😂

[rocktivity]

20. 'Empire' Renewed for Season 6 at Fox, Jussie Smollett Unlikely to Return

Last edited Wed Oct 6, 2021, 10:53 PM - Edit history (11)

Deadline.com (4/24/2019): Empire co-creator Lee Daniels told a New York City morning show Wednesday that the fate of Jussie Smollett on the Fox hit is “in discussions” right now, but Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and the rest of the series’ top cast have already made their decision.

“Together, as a united front, we stand with Jussie Smollett and ask that our co-star, brother and friend be brought back for our sixth season of Empire,” the Oscar nominees and the rest of the portrayers of the Lyon clan wrote in an April 19 letter obtained by Deadline that was sent to Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier, Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment chair Dana Walden, Fox Entertainment president Michael Thorn, Daniels, Empire co-creator Danny Strong and various executive producers on the series...

TMZ (4/25): (Jussie)...kicked it in NYC...lunching with Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney...(and) told us he was feeling "pride" about his work on the show...

We're told Brett's been telling his friends Jussie's future on the show is still up in the air, but it's unclear if the topic was broached during their lunch...Sources close to Mahoney -- who's publicly voiced his support for Jussie in the past -- tell us the lunch...was a casual hangout...

(E)arlier this week, Empire creator and executive producer Lee Daniels said...they're currently considering bringing Jussie back...

Variety.com (5/1): Empire has been renewed for a sixth season at Fox, though likely without Jussie Smollett.

“By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire,” Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television said in a statement...

A spokesperson for Smollett said in a statement, “We’ve been told that Jussie will not be on Empire in the beginning of the season, but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open. Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and Empire leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.”

That's just corporate talk for severance negotiating: the "leaking" of the letter (a futile-by-default token attempt to show support), combined with an allegedly "casual" and very public meeting with his boss' boss Mahoney without his boss Daniels, all but confirms that Smollett's demise is inevitable. It's all over now but the outcome of the Chicago police civil suit, after which they will dispose of Smollett outright without it looking like they "rushed to judgement."




rocktivity