Johnson said Smollett, who is gay and black, wanted to take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career." Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the case in mid-February in responseto rumors she was connected to Smollett'sfamily. Smollett was initially indicted in March on 16 counts of felony disorderly conduct, charges that were later dropped. With the rope and Smollett's sweater in their custody, authorities began to investigate a possible hate crime. On Tuesday, Webb said in a statement his office "has now completed all of its investigative steps regarding Jussie Smollett, and has made the decision to further prosecute Mr.

Source: CNN February 12, 2020 11:26 UTC