Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Slams Jussie Smollett Decision – It’s A Whitewash Of Justice [VIDEO]

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Slams Jussie Smollett Decision, It’s “A Whitewash Of Justice” [VIDEO]

As the final chapter in the Jussie Smollett saga has finally come to a close, fans of the popular Empire star are elated that all 16 felony counts against him were dropped and that his record has been wiped clean of any criminal activity. However, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is apparently not one of those people—and he’s coming out slamming the outcome in the Smollett case.

Two months since the initial incident occurred (and a host of twists and turns in between) Jussie Smollett has officially been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing regarding being physically attacked as the victim of an alleged hate crime. While many were certain of Smollett’s innocence and vindication from the start, there are those who are not pleased with the outcome—including current Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Shortly after the announcement that all charges against Smollett had been dropped, followed by Smollett and his attorney briefly addressing the media in a press conference, Emanuel spoke out publicly condemning the decision. He called it “a whitewash of justice” and that’s just a small amount of his opinion.

Emanuel continued, stating:

“Where is the accountability of the system? You cannot have, because of a person’s position, one set of rules apply to them and another set of rules apply to everybody else.”

During his press conference, Smollett thanked his family, friends and supporters, while speaking briefly about his character being questioned throughout the entire ordeal:

 “First of all I want to thank my family, my friends, the incredible people of Chicago and all over the country and the world who have prayed for me , who have supported me and who have showed me so much love. No one will ever know how much that has meant to me and I will be forever grateful. I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of.”

Smollett continued, adding how difficult things have been and his desire to return to work:

“This has been an incredibly difficult time. Honestly one of the worst of my entire life. But I am a man of faith and I am a man that has knowledge of my history and I would not bring my family, our lives or the movement through a fire like this. I just wouldn’t.” Now I’d like nothing more than to get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistakes, I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment of marginalized people everywhere. So again thank you for all the support. Thank you for faith and thank you to God. Bless you. Thank you very much.”

Following his press conference, the Smollett family released an official statement about the favorable decision in the case.

One specific passage summed up their feelings perfectly:

“He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated. All charges have been dismissed and his record expunged (cleared.)”

Meanwhile, Smollett’s series Empire airs its third episode of the second half of season five on March 27th at 8PM on FOX.

 

What do you think of Rahm Emanuel’s comments? Let us know in the comments!

Authored by: Danielle Jennings