Illinois Supreme Court makes stunning reversal on conviction of actor Jussie Smollett
SUMMARY
The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett's hate crime hoax conviction, ruling that retrying him violated his due process rights. Smollett, who claimed to be the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in 2019, had initially struck a deal to perform community service and forfeit his $10,000 bond in exchange for dismissal of charges. However, after public outcry, special prosecutor Kim Foxx reopened the case, leading to his conviction in 2021 on five felony counts and a 150-day jail sentence. The court found that reopening the case breached the original non-prosecution agreement, constituting double jeopardy. Smollett’s legal team argued that the retrial politicized the case and violated his Fifth Amendment protections. Smollett had petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2024, maintaining that his 2021 trial was unjust. The decision clears his record but reignites debates about justice and political influence in high-profile cases.
