The sudden decision by Illinois prosecutors to drop the case against Smollett has prompted both criticism and conspiracy theories.
Federal officials are investigating the circumstances around the Jussie Smollett case after criminal charges against the Empire star were suddenly dismissed Tuesday by Illinois prosecutors.
Thursday afternoon, President Trump told reporters that he had directed federal officials to review the case.
“I think the case in Chicago is an absolute embarrassment to our country. I have asked that they look at it,” Trump said. “Somebody has to, at least, take a very good, hard look at it.”
Earlier Thursday morning, Trump had tweeted that the FBI and Department of Justice would review the case, which he called “an embarrassment to our Nation!”
…A former top aide to Michelle Obama has denied trying to influence the case after she reached out to State’s Attorney Kim Foxx in the early stages of the investigation and before any charges were filed. Foxx subsequently handed the case over to a deputy, but said Wednesday her office worked diligently on the case.
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https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/jussie-smollett-federal-officials-fbi-doj-chicago-charges