Judge Orders Smollet Records Unsealed

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.

Trump administration blocks Venezuela from paying Maduro’s legal bills amid federal charges

Murder suspect in Baltimore robbery spree was on probation, records show

Authorities preparing to return home of Nancy Guthrie back to family: report

Some of the most notable guests at Trump’s 2026 State of the Union: photos

Senators Sanders and Mullin clash in heated Senate hearing exchange: ‘You’re part of the problem’

Trump’s fraud czar nominee touts Minnesota blueprint to root out Obamacare fraud, senior scams

Trump’s ‘war on fraud’ draws range of reactions during SOTU speech

Former top Harris adviser ignites backlash over ‘political props’ comment targeting USA men’s hockey team

The Laundering of Iran’s Atrocities: How Western Voices Became a Shield for the Islamic Republic’s Mass Killings

Capitol Tea: Jim Justice, of Babydog fame, offers to take over Tillis dog parade

Karoline Leavitt Drops List of Policies Dems Wouldn’t Stand For, Including Voter ID and Fewer Murders

GOP to campaign on Democrats picking illegal immigrants over Americans at State of the Union

Thune floats White House lifeline for unpaid DHS workers as shutdown drags on

Brandon Herrera calls for GOP leadership to pressure Tony Gonzales to exit Texas race after House of Cards-level scandal

Former CNN Host Don Lemon is Being Sued for Emotional Distress Following Minnesota Church Stunt: ‘Appeared to Take Satisfaction in the Disruption’

“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.