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Charges against ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett dropped
Prosecutors have dropped all charges against US actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack, his lawyers say. The Empire actor attended a court hearing in Chicago on Tuesday, where a judge reportedly sealed the case. Mr Smollett pleaded not guilty this month to 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly lying […]
Prosecutors have dropped all charges against US actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack, his lawyers say.
The Empire actor attended a court hearing in Chicago on Tuesday, where a judge reportedly sealed the case.
Mr Smollett pleaded not guilty this month to 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly lying to police.
His attorneys maintained on Tuesday that the actor was attacked by two unknown individuals.
Smollett attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement that their client’s record “has been wiped clean.”
“He was a victim who was villified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement,” the lawyers said.
“Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. The entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion.”
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The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office said in a statement: “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case”, CBS News reported.
Mr Smollett said he was attacked in the early hours on 29 January in downtown Chicago outside a sandwich shop by two masked men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him and put a rope round his neck.
He claimed they shouted: “This is Maga country”, a reference to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan, and that at least one of the assailants was white.
But Chicago police said Mr Smollett, 36, paid two brothers, both of whom are black, $3,500 to stage the attack because he was “dissatisfied with his salary” on the TV show.
Authorities also said he sent a racist and homophobic letter to himself at a Fox studio beforehand.
The US president lashed out last month at the actor on Twitter, saying, “what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA.”
Mr Smollett’s family said in a statement to US media on Tuesday that the actor had been vindicated.
“Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights, and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of,” said their statement.
“He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated.
“All charges have been dismissed and his record expunged (cleared). The painful incidents we’ve witnessed him endure over the past 7 weeks have been heartbreaking and unjust to say the least.
“While many were quick to rush to judgement before hearing the actual truth, we are grateful that the truth about Jussie has come to light.
“We look forward to bringing the real perpetrators to justice. We thank God and our village for standing by us during this trying time.”
Source : bbc.com
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“COVID-19” inspired my “Aseda”single – Michael K. Okyere recounts
Versatile musician Michael K. Okyere has recently released a single titled “Aseda,” which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article explores the meaning behind the song and how Okyere found inspiration during this challenging time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected people’s lives across the globe. From the devastating loss of lives to the economic downturn, it has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, many individuals have found solace and inspiration in unlikely places.
One such person is Michael K. Okyere, a talented and versatile musician known for his ability to captivate audiences with his unique fusion of various music genres. When the pandemic struck, Okyere found himself reflecting on the prevailing circumstances and sought a way to channel his emotions into his art.
The result was the creation of his latest single, “Aseda,” which means “thanks” in the Akan language spoken in Ghana, Okyere’s home country. The song serves as a tribute to the resilience and gratitude of individuals during these challenging times.
Okyere shares that “Aseda” was born out of his desire to express his deep appreciation for life and the strength of the human spirit. He witnessed people coming together, supporting each other, and finding joy in the simplest of things despite the hardships they faced. The song aims to inspire listeners to focus on gratitude and appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.
The upbeat and catchy melody of “Aseda” mirrors the message of hope and positivity that Okyere intends to convey. By merging traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary sounds, he manages to create a musical fusion that resonates with a wide audience. The song’s infectious energy invites listeners to immerse themselves in the celebration of life and their ability to overcome adversity.
While the pandemic has presented numerous challenges for musicians and artists, Okyere has channeled his creativity into creating meaningful and inspiring content. He believes that music has the power to uplift souls and connect people, even in the toughest of times.
Through “Aseda,” Michael K. Okyere hopes to remind listeners that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is still much to be grateful for. The song serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of gratitude in finding solace and joy even in challenging circumstances.
As an artiste, his ability to find inspiration in difficult times demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his commitment to spreading positivity through music. “Aseda” is a testament to his versatility and talent, showcasing his ability to merge different musical styles to create a vibrant and captivating masterpiece.
Enjoy the song below
https://youtu.be/vInPF-NKMic?si=mFS0mfw8CAX0YEtd
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