Chicago taking civil action on Jussie Smollett over costs

The city of Chicago is preparing to sue Jussie Smollett for $US130,000 in a civil suit to recoup the costs of its crime investigation.

After 16 counts accusing him of faking a hate crime were dropped, the city’s Department of Law gave him one week to pay a bill of $130,106.15. The deadline expired on Thursday afternoon.

“Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on Jan. 29, 2019,” the city said. “The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County… The Law Department will file the suit in the near future. As part of this legal action, the Law Department will pursue the full measure of damages allowed under the ordinance.”

The dropping of charges caused an uproar in the US. While the State’s Attorney’s Office said it stands by the police investigation, it deemed Smollett’s case not serious enough to warrant jail time.

Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the high-profile case.

FOX is yet to confirm if he will return to Empire after he was dropped from two episodes. The show is yet to be officially renewed for a sixth season.

Source: Variety