The suit comes after Smollett refused a demand that he send the city $US130,106 ($NZ193,400) to reimburse Chicago for overtime as police sought to verify Smollett's account. Under the city code, Chicago could triple the amount the city originally demanded that Smollett pay to more than $US390,000. To the city's advantage, the threshold for proof will be lower than in criminal court. The city won't have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Smollett staged the attack in civil court, only that it's more likely true than not true that he did. It is also unclear if Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot is onboard with the Emanuel administration's determination to keep legal pressure on Smollett.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 11, 2019 23:15 UTC