Jussie Smollett: Empire actor to be SUED by city of Chicago over alleged hoax claim

The police will file the lawsuit as it attempts to recover monies used to investigate alleged claims of falsely reporting an attack in Chicago. The US actor, and star of hit TV show ‘Empire’, was cleared of any wrongdoing. But the state authorities want $130,000 (£99,000) to pay for the investigation.

Originally he had been asked to pay the money back voluntarily but reports suggest the 36-year-old refused.

He had until the end of April 5 to pay back to money.

In January the actor told police he had been beaten up and had racist and homophobic abuse shouted at him.

He said a chemical substance was poured on him and a rope looped around his neck before the attackers fled.

READ MORE: Jussie Smollett: Charges DROPPED against Empire star

But investigating police later accused the actor of organising the attack as he was upset with his salary.

CBS journalist Charlie De Mar shared a letter from the city of Chicago to Mr Smollett on his Twitter page, demanding he pay $130,106.15 (£99,000) in the next seven days.

Mr Smollett, who insists the attack happened, agreed to forfeit $10,000 (£7,650) bail and complete community service in exchange for the dropped charges.

At the time, US President Donald Trump weighed into the matter on Twitter.

He said the FBI and Department of Justice would review “the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago”, describing it as “an embarrassment to our nation”.

Following the dismissal of the charges, the actor told a news conference: “I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one.

“I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I have been accused of.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time and one of the worst of my entire life.”

source: express.co.uk