Chicago's top prosecutor again shifted her explanation for why she recused herself from an investigation into Jussie Smollett's claim that he'd been the target of a hate crime, saying she stepped aside because of false rumors she was related to the 'Empire' actor. Cook County State
1 / 2FILE - In this March 26, 2019 file photo, Actor Jussie Smollett talks to the media before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped, in Chicago. Chicago's top prosecutor has released 2,000 documents in the Jussie Smollett's case and explained she recused herself from an investigation into his claim he'd been the target of a racist, anti-gay attack solely because of false rumors she was related to the"Empire" actor.
Foxx said in her Friday statement:"False rumors circulated that I was related or somehow connected to the Smollett family, so I removed myself from all aspects of the investigation and prosecution ... so as to avoid even the perception of a conflict." An ethics officer, she said,"told me I had to do it." She continued:"There were rumors she claims that I was related to or closely connected to the Smolletts. I told her that wasn't true. She said it was pervasive and that I should recuse. I thought it was dumb but acquiesced. It's actually just racist."
It also suggests miscommunication, saying that attorneys within the office advised against using the word"recusal" in what Foxx was doing — because they saw no actual conflict of interest.Smollett faced 16 felony counts related to making a false report that he was assaulted by two men early on Jan. 29. Investigators said he made the false report because he was unhappy with his pay on"Empire" and believed such an incident would give his career a boost.
As documents released earlier illustrated, Foxx nevertheless weighed in at critical points as her staff decided whether to proceed with the prosecution, which began when Smollett was charged on Feb. 20. Her input included a March 8 text to First Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Magats, who became the final decision-maker in the Smollett case after Foxx purportedly stepped away.
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