Jussie Smollett update: Chicago seeks to have 'Empire' actor's counterclaim dismissed

Thursday, December 19, 2019

City seeks to have Jussie Smollett counterclaim dismissed

Lawyers for the City of Chicago will be in court Thursday hoping to have a counter suit from Jussie Smollett dismissed.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lawyers for the City of Chicago will be in court Thursday hoping to have a counter suit from actor Jussie Smollett dismissed.

The actor's legal team claims the prosecution against him is causing economic harm, humiliation and emotional distress.

The city is still trying to recoup the $130,000 spent investigating what it calls a staged crime.

WATCH: Video shows Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck

Chicago police have released nearly 70 hours of video in the Jussie Smollett case.

Smollett was charged with staging the attack in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood in January. 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.

The counterclaim filed last month accuses the City and CPD of ignoring key evidence that proved Jussie Smollett's claim of an attack. It accuses then Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson of maliciously going after Smollett without probable cause. "In the face of mounting public pressure to solve the high-profile attack on Mr. Smollett, Counterclaim-Defendant Johnson authorized the CPD...to file a complaint against Mr. Smollett on the basis of false and unreliable evidence from the Osundario Brothers."

"Empire" actor and R&B singer Jussie Smollett told Chicago police last month that two men physically attacked him and yelled racial and homophobic slurs. There have been dozens of twists and turns since then. Here are some key moments from the start of this story.

The counterclaim is finalized with a demand for a trial by jury, along with compensatory and punitive damages against the City. "As a proximate result of the wrongful conduct engaged in by Counterclaim defendants, Mr. Smollett has suffered and continues to suffer substantial economic damages as well as reputational harm, humiliation, mental anguish and extreme emotional distress in the amount according to proof at trial."

A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's decision to drop the charges against Smollett.

Previous coverage:

Jussie Smollett files counterclaim against Chicago saying prosecution was 'malicious'

Jussie Smollett case: Judge denies motion to dismiss Chicago lawsuit against 'Empire' actor

Judge in Smollett case rules to keep Dan Webb as special prosecutor after concerns of possible conflict of interest

Jussie Smollett case: Documents show special prosecutor Dan Webb made donation to Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx

Jussie Smollett case: PR firm says 'every iota' of 'Empire' actor's claim true; police differ

Dan Webb appointed special prosecutor in 'Empire' actor's case

Jussie Smollett case: Hearing held on Chicago's lawsuit against 'Empire' actor

'Empire' filming in Chicago near Jussie Smollett alleged attack site

Jussie Smollett: Judge dismisses motions by 'Empire' actor's attorneys

Jussie Smollett: Attorneys decline special prosecutor role in actor's case, report says