A judge in Chicago ordered that “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s criminal records be unsealed after news organizations went to court to get them last week.
The records involving the 36-year-old actor had been sealed back in March shortly after charges against him were dropped by prosecutors, according to ABC7 Chicago on Thursday.
He was arrested and faced multiple felony charges for allegedly faking a hate crime that involved racist and homophobic slurs against himself in January.
Media attorney Natalie Spears argued that there was no point in keeping the records sealed anymore.
Watch: Kathy Hochul Stumbles in Debate Opening Statement and Republican Opponent Bruce Blakeman Pounces
The Houthis Are Receiving Help Directly from China as They Attempt to Build Their Own Game-Changing Weapon: Report
Trump says ‘we are looking into’ other Dan Sullivan on Alaska ballot, warns about governor’s race
New York governor debate heats up as Blakeman, Hochul spar over Trump, sanctuary status, ICE shooting
Does anyone want to win this race? Talarico and Paxton stumble to finish line in Texas Senate contest
‘Tsunami of Republican Money’ Could Turn Midterms Upside Down, Says Top Democrat
NY Dem Congressional Candidate Wants Cornell 7’s ‘Severed Heads on Pikes,’ Ignores That There’s Been No Trial
99,000 arrested at Mexican border in Trump’s first year versus two million in Biden’s year one
Schumer warns of Republican advantage that could change the battle for Senate control
Democrats have ‘dirty hands’ over complaints about Omar raid weeks before election, ex-prosecutor says
Trump announces massive oil, gas and mineral exploration plans in Greenland, touts national security benefits
Trump administration slashes time refugees have to challenge loss of legal status
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he won’t fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch despite socialist pressure
Trump signs pardons for Alaska diesel mechanics onstage during rally touting major energy deals
Trump Energy Department issues emergency order to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat
“There is no way to secrete the fact of Jussie Smollett’s arrest. At this point it is widely and publicly known from here to Helsinki and back,” Spears shared, per the Chicago Tribune. “No potential employer, let alone anyone with a pulse, does not know about Jussie Smollett’s arrest at this point.”
Meanwhile, one of Smollett’s attorney, Brian Watson, argued that the actor had a right to privacy afforded to other people.
“The root of this problem is not Mr. Smollett,” Watson shared. “The root of this problem is that the media, Mrs. Spears’ clients, created publicity, and now her clients want to use that against someone who wants to get their rights back.”
As previously reported, the actor initially claimed he was attacked on the streets of his home in Chicago by two men who he said threw a rope around his neck and poured a bleach-like substance on him. They also reportedly yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him.
Watch: Kathy Hochul Stumbles in Debate Opening Statement and Republican Opponent Bruce Blakeman Pounces
The Houthis Are Receiving Help Directly from China as They Attempt to Build Their Own Game-Changing Weapon: Report
Trump says ‘we are looking into’ other Dan Sullivan on Alaska ballot, warns about governor’s race
New York governor debate heats up as Blakeman, Hochul spar over Trump, sanctuary status, ICE shooting
Does anyone want to win this race? Talarico and Paxton stumble to finish line in Texas Senate contest
‘Tsunami of Republican Money’ Could Turn Midterms Upside Down, Says Top Democrat
NY Dem Congressional Candidate Wants Cornell 7’s ‘Severed Heads on Pikes,’ Ignores That There’s Been No Trial
99,000 arrested at Mexican border in Trump’s first year versus two million in Biden’s year one
Schumer warns of Republican advantage that could change the battle for Senate control
Democrats have ‘dirty hands’ over complaints about Omar raid weeks before election, ex-prosecutor says
Trump announces massive oil, gas and mineral exploration plans in Greenland, touts national security benefits
Trump administration slashes time refugees have to challenge loss of legal status
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he won’t fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch despite socialist pressure
Trump signs pardons for Alaska diesel mechanics onstage during rally touting major energy deals
Trump Energy Department issues emergency order to prevent blackouts across 13 states amid unusual October heat
However, by the end of the investigation police concluded the attack on the “Empire” star was a hoax. Soon after, he was arrested and faced 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false police report.
Then all charges against him were suddenly dropped by the State Attorney’s office.
The records are expected to be unsealed Thursday.
