Former ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago

CHICAGO — Chicago special prosecutor Dan Webb has indicted Jussie Smollett.

Smollett faces six counts of disorderly conduct, Webb said in a statement. The Cook County Clerk’s Office confirmed to WLS-TV that the indictment was connected to the alleged attack that took place in early 2019.

Smollett is due in court Feb. 24. No warrant was issued, according to WGN-TV.

Smollett was arrested last year after authorities said he faked a racist, homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in late January. Prosecutors abruptly dropped the case against the “Empire” actor in a widely criticized move that took police by surprise.

The actor had told officers he was confronted in the predawn hours Jan. 29 by a pair of men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him, hit him in the face, poured an unknown substance on him and wrapped a rope around his neck.

Smollett has denied faking the attack.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

© 2020 Cox Media Group