Media

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Crushes Notion There Wasn’t Enough To Charge Jussie Smollett

CNN

Amber Athey Podcast Columnist
Font Size:

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel went on offense Tuesday against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett after CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer suggested prosecutors did not have enough evidence to prove Smollett orchestrated a hate crime against himself.

Prosecutors announced Tuesday that they were dropping all charges against Smollett, citing his history of charitable work in the community and the fact that the actor was forfeiting his $10,000 bond to the city. The Chicago Police Department and Emanuel have expressed anger over the decision to drop the charges. (RELATED: Charges Against Jussie Smollett Dropped)

“Was the full picture painted by the evidence perhaps not as compelling as what was presented to the Grand Jury?” Blitzer asked Emanuel.

WATCH:

“Well, wait a second. The evidence presented to the Grand Jury is what brought the charges,” Emanuel replied.

“Some questions [arose] in the subsequent weeks from more evidence that might be out there,” Blitzer insisted.

Emanuel shook his finger in front of the camera and said, “That’s not what the state’s attorney just said today.”

“They said, in fact, the police did a good job and the evidence holds up and he actually did commit the hoax. They’re saying $10,000 and two days of community service is good enough,” Emanuel said. “I don’t believe, not only is it not good enough — especially when he’s walking around thinking he’s innocent.”

“He is also guilty of a moral crime,” Emanuel concluded, “which is to use the hate crimes to advance his career for his own selfish reasons.”

Follow Amber on Twitter