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All Charges Dropped In Criminal Case Against ‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

This morning, all 16 felony charges facing Empire star Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon) were dropped.  It all occurred when Smollett and his attorneys went to court this morning in Chicago.  The actor/singer was accused of lying to the police in the alleged racial and homophobic attack perpetrated against him.

Jussie will now surrender his $10,000 bond, and that is all.

State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office says, “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”

Jussie and his lawyer, Patricia Holmes, addressed the media, saying that he’s happy and wants to get on with his life.  Smollett thanked everyone who supported him through this case, and maintained he’d been truthful and consistent throughout it. He also pointed out that would never put the LGBTQ movement “through a fire like this.”  Finally, Jussie thanked the Empire cast for their support.

The decision is not sitting well with the Chicago Police Department and Mayor Rahm Emanuel who has been strongly hinting at corruption in the State’s Attorney’s Office, calling the decision a “whitewash of justice.”

What do you think of the latest developments in Jussie’s case … that he has been cleared of all charges?  Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below

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I can picture the red hats flying off exploding delusional heads already….

Thats Hollywood, just do whatever the hell you want! Next will have a “Star” murder an innocent victim and the system will say, “Oh we were impressed by his volunteer work, all charges dropped!” What a bunch of BULLSHI!

Isn’t it amazing how the color RED keeps popping up, Timmmy? How I wish we were all well-informed before penning an opinion or verbally forming one.
…..some people need medication to tamp dowm their insecurity and hate.
Then, again, we’re Wal-Mart shoppers, stupid, uneducated low-lives–the irony is, I have never walked into a Wal-Mart…not because I feel superior —never that…..it is miles away from where I live. I guess one will find no democrats in Wal-Mart. ” La superiorite des anes”.
These people forget their roots. They should focus on that, first and foremost.
The consensus is that Michelle Obama’s aide called her and asked Michelle to make the Smollett case go away.
The same thing happened when the Russian Dossier was fabricated…..facts confirm that Barry ( allegedly) may have not been the author; but, he did sign Satan’s incendiary lies.

Consensus?

Everything I’ve read says that Mrs. Obama’s former chief of staff who is also a Chicago Attorney reached out to the Cook County States Attorney on behalf of the Smollett family. I’ve seen nothing about Mrs. Obama being involved.

I’m hoping that he will face Federal charges for the threatening letter and powder that he sent to himself at Fox studios through the U.S. mail. Justice has not been served. Only special privilege has been served here.

Amen, Dr. Ruth! It seems that our president is of the same mind to have the Feds thoroughly investigate and examine how—and by whom—-the details of this revolting case were (mis?)handled at the state level, allowing Smollett to walk away virtually unscathed by his own reprehensible behavior. Hopefully, the Department of Justice will succeed where Illinois law officials quite purposely failed by actually charging this arrogant poseur for what was clearly premeditated criminal conduct.

Now if we reverse the races all Hell would break loose…

Right, Jimmy…..would never hear the end of it.

This is a mockery to/of the justice system. Smollet is guilty as heck……when something like this gets dropped, it usually means the police messed up—wether it be a glitch, a defect in connecting the dots, or, when a potential perp is not properly mirandized…..By law, a suspect will be freed. His layers hinge upon the fact that he serves his community well? Nah….I do not buy that. The government will not come clean; especially when it screws up!! The prosecutor had no choice if, indeed, those were the circumstances.
There are too many ‘actions’ by him and the brothers that do not add up.
Firstly, the brothers produced a receipt from the hardware store, where the rope was purchased. They told the police they were hired by Smollett, who concocted the story that two white men beat him up and put a noose around his neck. A noose which was still around his neck when the police got to his place. When someone goes through such an ordeal, one would be disoriented, barely standing…AND, the first thing one would do….anyone normal and who had nothing to hide, and who was truthful, would have removed the offending rope from his neck!!
Furthermore, who, in his right mind, would go to an unfamiliar neighborhood, in the middle of the night, in zero degree-temperature?
This is not over……Once the brothers are re-taken into custody, more will be revealed .

When he is licking envelopes for Jesse Jackson and Obama’s aide gets involved, WIPE IT, because WE are WE. What a disgrace to Chicago’s mayor and police chief. Next time the Obamas come to Chicago, let Jussie run the security detail!

You mean those brothers who were apparently involved in mime training, clown school, kabuki theatre or just some bizarre form of Joker-esque masquerade which required pale-complexion-effect cosmetics, CeeCeeGirl?? Could this lame explanation for the transparent falsehoods perpetuated by the preening prevaricator be any more pathetic or outre’???? Were this case not such a grossly obvious travesty of justice, then it would be perfect material for a farcical comedy script, even though on the “face” of it, the audacious reality is truly no laughing matter! At any rate, I wholeheartedly agree with all of your fabulous en pointe posts on this thread…in fact, I composed a cracking response to this very one last evening and despite receiving assurance that my remarks had been accepted, they failed to post. Really? What gives? This has happened to me far too many times for it to be simply passed off as a technical glitch…When one takes the time to carefully consider and construct their comments, a bit more courtesy is warranted. It’s disappointing enough when one’s material is rejected outright even though it often expresses and/or concurs with the exact same sentiments being offered by others, but to actually email someone and say your words passed muster with the expectation that they will appear online when such is not the end result is just plain rude and uncalled for. I am now pouring over that absent post to figure out exactly what it was in “ShaySpeak” that apparently caused it to be assigned to the ash heap in order to do a possible self-edit. However, given that there was quite a bit covered in the tightly written commentary, that is no easy task..Yet, I had much to contribute on this subject matter and still want to share it! (Especially with you, mia amica!) Having said that, in reviewing the thoughts mentioned on this thread, I find it extremely heartening that there are many fine people amongst us who—-despite perhaps generally espousing oft-dissenting views,—are equally appalled and outraged by this entire episode of illegal ego-gratification. It just goes to show that basic decency isn’t dead and we all have more in common than maybe even we sometimes realize.

After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case—
Who was Smollett attorney, Bill Barr ..(bwhaa!

C’mon, SusieQ—you know as well as I that Mueller’s job was done. He does not have the authority to push obstruction when no crime of collusion ( after two years and hundreds of witnesses….and millions of our tax dollars) was found. There cannot be obstruction without a crime. The dems know it, but they twist the law to their own convenience.
Mr. Barr is well known for his fairness and integrity. Besides, he kept Rod Rosenstein ( not a fan of Trump’s) on to help him decipher the jargon handed him. Rod worked shoulder to shoulder with Mueller—-he knew more than anyone else.
What truly gets me is that everyone keeps saying Trump fired Comey to safeguard himself. WRONG!! Trump fired Comey under the recommendation of Rosenstein. There were too many illegal maneuvers by Hillary, Billy Boy, Comey, Lynch, Page, McCabe, Strzok etc ( who gave FBI a bad name) to be ignored—-Trump had absolutely nothing to do with their firing. Rosenstein was well-aware of what machinations the above employed to contaminate the Trump campaign and later, his administration. Rod cut the cord lickety-split.
It was not the Prez’s idea. Rosenstein is one of the culprits to initiate the fake investigation of the fake dossier ( paid by Hillary–let’s not forget that), in the first place. All done to obfuscate the truth!!
Why is there always sarcasm involved with everything negative that happens, su? Some Americans, and beyond, have turned into vampires–they forget the basic rule of law so sacredly put together by our forefathers.
I knew that somehow someone would steer towards Trump…Awwww, SusieQ, you wound me, my friend!! LOL.
There was so much wrongdoing on the other side of the aisle which was covered-up. I am not a vengeful person; however, I do believe in justice—I don’t care how famous; how rich; how illustrious a person is.
❤️

Mr Barr is well known for getting guilty criminals off the hook. Which is exactly what he did for international heroin smuggling terrorist funder (and current resident of Hell) George HW “Poppy” Bush SR & his friends, regarding their TREASONOUS Iran-Contra scheme in the late 80s.

Hi Celia 🙂
It has nothing to with Trump, it’s Barr..

The investigation was Russian interference in our democracy, more-so than other.

If Barr wants to make his opinion of corruption, fine..
But-
the Counterintelligence (division continues to neutralize national security threats from foreign intelligence services) being held back from Congress by him,is not right

Apparently, there is a load of Counterintelligence in the report and that belongs in Congress to asses and deal with/evaluate, not to be held by the AG/Attorney General.

And- the public needs the report given to them (with the needed retractions) that is justified..
🙂 ..

Liar. He’s got friends in high places. Case shut down. Findings sealed for all eternity. What a joke. Empire’s ratings are sure to tank he steps foot back on that Soundstage. No sympathy for the devil. Stupid act of selfishness.

Well stated, dav…..however, EMPIRE ( Fox) will probably give him his job back. Remember, Satan walks through fire– he won’t get burned…..
The only way is for the Federal government to take over the case. I do believe the records can be unsealed with a court order.

Jussie was just a puppet. He played his part in a pre-scripted drama solely designed to cause tensions between white, blacks, and gays. It is an ongoing agenda of the PTB.

I think that very well could be true, Colin. May I also suggest that another possible original intent of this concocted farce was to create a high-profile, cause-celebre public courtroom spectacle ala OJ, culminating in yet another famous example of jury nullification—-along with its predictable aftermath????? Problem was, once it became apparent that this hoax was being regarded with near universal disgust and outrage by an overwhelming cross-section of society, an acquittal no way remained what was initially assumed to be a sure thing….hence the necessity for implementing “Plan B” to save the clearly guilty party.

Sound right most wouldn’t get away with it they go to jail for less. Give them some money buy everyone off. So corruption everywhere.

Power and prestige AND money talks and he walks. I’m stunned by this turn of events and having the charges dismissed was a horrible call by the state’s attorney’s office in Cook County and clearly goes to show that if you’re a celebrity, you can get away with just about anything.

Yes, Michael,
The same “justice” will happen with the College bribes —Huffman and Aunt Becky will get away with their crime with a kiss on the wrist–never mind a slap!!

Are you suggesting that they will also benefit from a wave of that magical legal wand called an “alternative prosecution model,” CeeCeeGirl? What absolute bunk….

LOL…yup; that’s exactly what I’m saying. You watch, Shaybelle….
Celebrities walk in lockstep with Sonny Corinthos. They do the crime and end up on a sky-high pedestal, with laurels adorning their collective heads—the symbol of power and piety!! And, when they come down to earth, instead of handcuffs, they are rewarded with rose petals strewn along their path. Can you picture it?

Correction-whether, not wether—lawyer, not layer.
PS..The mayor and the police chief are truly thrown aback over this; and, rightly so.
It seems that Michelle Obama had (allegedly) a hand in his record being wiped clean. Suspicious!!
And the prosecutor who had recused herself? Well, she did her best behind the scenes to absolve this.
Smollett does not have to return the ten thousand dollars ( bond money) ……this is supposedly restitution? As the mayor said; this amount is not even a fraction of the money spent by the city.
No one believes it. He gets up there and still denies having orchestrated this alleged crime.
Community service served?? Really? Because he was involved in helping the community?? Talk about privilege.
Wouldn’t he want to go to trial and clear his name? His reputation will always be stained and iffy. What about the gay community? I doubt he’s looked upon as the hero. ….what about any white person who supports Trump? What about the divide between republicans, democrats; and to a certain degree, the black community expanding? He has cast so much doubt on all these citizens. He is no victim. Shame on him and all those who alleviated his guilt.

This charlatan is as vile as they come.

This is disgusting, ridiculous, nonsense. He did what he was charged with and for 16 hours of “community service” and a $10,000 bribe he gets off. Yes, Virginia, there are different rules for the rich and famous.

I’m disgusted an appalled. He has put the LGBTQ community through a great fire. I hope the Federal case against him does a better job than that of the corrupt city of Chicago. I’m personally pissed that he’s walking free. Had this been someone of another race alleging a hate crime against him, we’d have riots. DISGUSTing! People need to vote the criminal lawmakers that allowed this, out of office.

Oh what a crock?!?!?!?!?! The judge is clearly A TOTAL IDIOT for letting that Jussie Smollett punk walk away SCOT-FREE!!!!! What’s next…those two AIRHEADS Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman walking away SCOT-FREE?!?!?!?!?! BEYOND DUMB AS HELL!!!!!!

Later.

Hello, Jay,
Tell me about it….
If anyone thinks this does not stink of the workings of a higher ‘being’ is the delusional one; not the red-hatters!!
There is no way on God’s green earth something soooo unjust suddenly transformed to ‘just’….. when did the pius Smollett get his angelic wings, pray tell? Makes me sick!! Every gay person, every white person, every black person will be looked askance by many, and measured by this idiot’s actions….no one can tell me otherwise. Isn’t there enough mistrust amongst us already?
If he were not his mother’s son? Well, no one knows his mother from Eve…. weird thing to preach!!
❤️

Boycott any shows he is in!!!

When did this site become a forum for people to air their political views? It’s become a major turn off for me. I come here to get away from that stuff, and personally I’m sick of reading it. This is a soap and entertainment news site. I come to this site to read about and discuss my favorite shows, not to read political diatribes. I wish they would take that garbage to Fox News, CNN, or any of the literally thousands of forums out there where people can argue their politics back and forth with other people until they’re blue in the face. Does every place today have to be infected with the rancid political discourse that invades all of our daily lives? Good lord, give it a rest!

You are absolutely correct, Dan….but, when some posters ( sarcastically or not) point fingers, continuously , against one side; there is a natural instinct to defend.
I wish I had your strength to remain silent, my friend.
Infected, rancid, invade….all your adjectives are perfectly descriptive of our world today….I will try to follow your lead. Kudos.

@Dan…When a news event such as the one highlighted on this thread is presented, it’s inevitable that the topic swerves toward the political…especially since there is a very real component of that element inherent in the story itself. I see no way around that fact…one really cannot ignore the implications. However, most threads regarding soapy stuff do not contain any semblance of subject matter that is even remotely related to politics, although that doesn’t seem to deter those who are “hellbent” (Hint, hint…) upon making them so at every possible opportunity by introducing the same old comments bashing our president and his appearance. It’s just a constant stream of familiar insults which adds nothing new to the conversational mix other than to be provocative by encouraging a few others who enthusiastically jump on the anti-Trump bandwagon nearly every time. This is the fault of those running this website that this purely-predictible pattern has been allowed to perpetuate…it’s totally unnecessary and should be nipped in the bud before the ball even starts rolling, but as that has yet to seen, after awhile one does feel compelled to respond. If that obvious outcome is not the intent of the moderators and their management, then this practice would not be permitted to happen in the first place, again and again…particularly when there’s no plausible reason to even mention or reference Donald J, Trump whilst discussing certain soap characters and storylines. (Provided that the shows themselves do not do so first. Yes, I’m looking at you, GH!)

i will never watch / to anything this guy ever does ever again. So over him and he has ruined his own career

I agree wholeheartedly!

Never heard of him until Kristen Bell and countless others came to his defense on social media BEFORE he was indicted.

Well, he has had his 15 minutes of fame. I hope it was worth selling his soul. Hopefully he is blacklisted from the entertainment community for as long as his prison term should have been.

Well, Chrystie…..it doesn’t look like Smollett has been ostracized by Hollywood. The city of glitter and dazzle stands by him.
It seems the elitists support his hoax–poor thing is such a victim!!
I heard Smollett will be the beneficiary of an award for his criminal effort–best supporting actor. Ironically. He should get the award for BEST actor—-fits like a glove!!
❤️

More like in this case, “if the glove fits,” you must acquit!!! Or, at the very least, present the hoaxer with an award for a job well done.

Hmmmm—Oh, Shay—-kindred spirits!! Did you read my “inferenced” mind? LOL.

Felicity and Lori are hiring his lawyers.

LOL…

I don’t think this proves he was innocent of the charges, just that he paid a bunch of money and got off the hook. I’m disappointed. I was glad when I read the headline that the charges were dropped. I thought that meant that he was proven innocent. But this “agreement” doesn’t exonerate him. It just sounds like some rich guy paying for everything to go away. I’ve looked for something to read that will tell me more about his innocence but haven’t found it. Sad.

Breaking News

Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role

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Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.

As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.

Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI

Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.

Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”

Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.

So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.

 

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Patrick Muldoon, ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Melrose Place’ Star, Passes Away at 57

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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports  indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.

Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.

Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.

Photo: JPI

On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.

Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).

Photo: JPI

Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.

At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.

Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.

Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.

Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.

Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.

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Breaking News

Jonathan Bennett Tapped to Play New Role on ‘General Hospital’

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All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.

Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.

Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.

Courtesy/ABC

Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’

After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…”  Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.

Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine,  The Knot.

So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

 

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