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

ByMichelle Gallardo WLS logo

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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

Jussie Smollett and his attorneys have filed a counterclaim against the City of Chicago and several individuals in federal court.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has filed a counterclaim against the City of Chicago.

Smollett's attorney's filed a response Tuesday to Chicago's lawsuit in Federal court that seeks the reimbursement of $130,000 it says the Chicago Police Department spent investigating the actor's January 22 claim that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack.

Smollett told police he was beaten in January by two men who looped a noose around his neck while walking in his Streeterville neighborhood. Following a lengthy investigation, the actor was accused of staging the attack himself with the help of brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundario. Smollett was charged on February 20, with making a false report and he subsequently made a $10,000 bail payment to secure his release from jail.

WATCH: Video shows Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck

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

In March, the Cook County State's Attorney's office unexpectedly dropped the charges against Smollett. While still proclaiming his innocence, Smollett agreed to let the City keep the bail money. Now, in the counterclaim, his attorneys say that payment prevents the City from collecting any additional damages.

"The City has waived any right to recover further costs for services provided by the City in investigating and responding to Mr. Smollett's police report because it has already accepted $10,000 from Mr. Smollett. Having agreed to accept $10,000 from Mr. Smollett in connection with the dismissal of the charges against him, the City has waive its right to seek additional recovery."

"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 goes on to accuse the City and CPD of ignoring key evidence that proved Jussie Smollett's claim of an attack. It accuses 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."

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 continues to investigate why the Cook County State's Attorney's office abruptly decided to drop all charges against Jussie Smollett.

Previous coverage:

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

'Empire' actor's attorneys argue against special prosecutor, want judge replaced

Jussie Smollett's attorneys argue for Chicago lawsuit to be moved to federal court