This post is for those who have been under a rock and not up to speed on the Jussie Smollet debacle. Recently, we learned that prosecutors in the case have decided to dismiss all charges and wipe all records clean of the stain of felony charges for Smollet having faked a homosexual and racist assault on himself.
It is deceptive to simply read or hear of the story of dropped charges and think that Smollet faced no consequences for his actions. The truth of the matter is that Smollet had to pay $10,000 in restitution (forfeited bond) and agree to community service. Charges are often dropped and deals are routinely made in any criminal case. It may seem like Smollet got off scot-free, but he did face some type of consequences. Did he embarrass the City of Chicago as they try to assert themselves as a welcoming, tolerant city to all? Yes, he did. Did he put the hardworking detectives through the ringer with false statements and the proverbial run around? Yes, he did. Does he owe the City of Chicago, their police department, LGBT and Black communities apologies for having concocted a hoax of mythic proportions? Yes, he does. For the Black community the pain behind the symbolism of a noose being tied around ones neck, as Smollet is purported to have done to himself (or by his accomplices), conjures the most horrible of memories of our arduous past.
Wheeling and dealing is as much a part of the criminal justice system as actually being convicted and incarcerated. Those who are outraged over his seemingly non-punishment should be equally upset over first time offenders for shop lifting or getting community service for fighting in a city park. Yea, Yea, Yea, Jussie wasted time and resources. But people lie to the police every single day, it’s par for the course. There are much bigger fish to fry than this disgraced actor. Smollet didn’t get off without any recourse, despite what people may think.
If it’s any consolation to those who are seething for justice, the Chicago PD union wants an FBI probe of State’s Atty. Kim Foxx concerning her relation to Smollet. And if that isn’t enough, the President wants the DOJ to look into the matter. So let’s get this straight, the controversial shooting and killing by Sacramento Police of an unarmed man is a local matter and not worthy of attention by the White House, but an actor who planned his own abduction and assault is worthy of a DOJ investigation? Look at this shiny object America as I take your health care, cut funding for Special Olympics, raise taxes on the middle class while simultaneously cutting them for the rich, cut regulations for fossil fuel companies…….