Jussie Smollett, former 'Empire' actor, pleads not guilty to new charges in alleged Chicago attack

Monday, February 24, 2020

Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty to new charges in alleged Chicago attack

Actor Jussie Smollett pleaded 'not guilty' Monday to new charges for allegedly lying about an attack in Streeterville last year.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Actor Jussie Smollett entered a 'not guilty' plea at a court appearance in Chicago Monday for allegedly lying about an attack in Streeterville last year.

Smollett had been re-charged with six counts of felony disorderly conduct stemming from the January 2019 incident. His bond was set at $20,000 and he is scheduled to be back in court on March 18.

WATCH: Timeline of Events in Jussie Smollett case

"Empire" actor and R&B singer Jussie Smollett told Chicago police in January that two men physically attacked him and yelled racial and homophobic slurs. There have been dozens of twists and turns since then.

His attorney described the new round of charges as frustrating, but said Smollett is "strong."

Attorneys for Smollett filed motions to have the case dismissed and to have the Illinois Supreme Court step in to stop the proceeidings.

Last year the former "Empire" actor told police he was targeted in a racist and homophobic attack. After an investigation, police determined Smollett staged the attack and hired two brothers to help pull it off.

Police said Smollett staged the attack on himself because he was unhappy with his "Empire" salary.

WATCH: Video shows Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck

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

Last year, Smollett pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of felony disorderly conduct and weeks later, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx's office dismissed the case.

Special Prosecutor Dan Webb was then appointed in August to look into the case, and the way it was handled by Foxx. A grand jury recently returned a new six-count indictment

Smollett's attorneys said they are worried about double jeopardy and plan to make an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.

In addition to the indictment, the city of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Smollett to recoup $130,000 spent on the investigation. Smollett has filed a counterclaim that accused the city and CPD of ignoring key evidence that proved Jussie Smollett's claim of an attack.

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