Jussie Smollett news: 'Empire' actor's attorneys argue for Chicago lawsuit to be moved to federal court

Thursday, July 4, 2019
CHICAGO -- Jussie Smollett wants the lawsuit that the city of Chicago filed against him moved from state court to federal court.

His lawyers argue that would be the proper venue since the actor is a California resident.
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Chicago police said that Smollett staged an attack on himself last January in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The city is suing to recover the cost of the investigation.

Jussie Smollett case: Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on 'Empire' actor
Jussie Smollett case: Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on 'Empire' actor


Police and prosecutors said Smollett orchestrated the attack with the help of two brothers. One brother was an extra on "Empire" and the other was Smollett's personal trainer.

All charges against Smollett were dropped in late February in exchange for community service and forfeiture of his $10,000 bond payment.



A Cook County judge ruled last month to appoint a special prosecutor in the case. The judge questioned Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's decision to appoint a deputy to oversee the Smollett case, with the judge saying she did not have the authority to do so.

Also last month, Chicago police released nearly 70 hours of video connected to the Smollett case.

Video of Jussie Smollett with rope around neck released by Chicago police


Previous coverage:
Chicago police release investigative files, video of alleged staged attack on 'Empire' actor
Judge orders special prosecutor to review case; 'Empire' actor could be re-charged
RELATED: 911 calls released of Jussie Smollett reporting alleged attack
RELATED: Lee Daniels says Jussie Smollett not returning for final season of 'Empire'
RELATED: Cook Co. State's Attorney's Office releases documents in Jussie Smollett case
RELATED: Chicago police release 400 pages of Jussie Smollett case files
RELATED: Judge rules to unseal records in Jussie Smollett case
RELATED: 'Empire' will go 1 more season, Smollett's future is unclear
RELATED: Judge asked to recuse himself from petition to appoint special prosecutor in Jussie Smollett case
RELATED: Jussie Smollett's contract extended, no plans for character to return to 'Empire'
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Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx asks for review of how Jussie Smollett case was handled
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RELATED: Sources: Police investigating whether Smollett staged attack with help of others
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RELATED: 'Empire' actor's family releases statement on attack, pictures of possible persons of interest released
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