Actor Jussie Smollett talks to the media before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped, Tuesday, March 26, 2019. (AP Photo / Paul Beaty)
CHICAGO (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling on the FBI and Department of Justice to review the case of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago.
Prosecutors offered little explanation and infuriated Chicago's police chief and mayor this week when they dropped charges against Smollett related to making a false police report. Yet prosecutors still insist the actor faked a racist, anti-gay attack on himself in January.
Trump tweeted early Thursday: “FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago. It is an embarrassment to our Nation!”
Smollett’s attorney says two brothers who claim they worked with the actor to stage the attack are lying. Investigators alleged Smollett staged the attack with the hopes of gaining attention and advancing his career.
Related stories:
Kim Foxx Backs Dismissal of Charges in Jussie Smollett Case
Osundairo Brothers’ Former Attorney Speaks Out
Surprising Outcome in Smollett Case Provokes Anger from Mayor, Police Superintendent
Prosecutors Drop All Charges Against Jussie Smollett
Chicago Police Union Wants Federal Probe in Smollett Case
Brothers in Smollett Case Say They Have ‘Tremendous Regret’
Anita Alvarez to Kim Foxx: ‘Do Your Job’
