(CBS News) Chicago police released hundreds of files and nearly 70 hours of video footage on Monday from the investigation into Jussie Smollett’s claim back in January that he was attacked by two men — a claim that police later characterized as a hoax.
In one of the videos, police body-cam footage showed Smollett — with his face blurred — wearing a white rope that he told detectives his attackers looped around his neck. When one of the officers asked Smollett if he wanted to take the rope off of his neck, the 37-year-old actor did while stating: “Yeah. I do. I just wanted you all to see it.”
A Chicago judge has ordered a special prosecutor to be appointed to review the way prosecutors handled the case and ultimately dismissed it.
The judge said in his order, “If reasonable grounds exist to further prosecute Smollett, in the interest of justice the special prosecutor may take such action.”
Jussie Smollett could actually be prosecuted for allegedly faking the now infamous attack on the streets of Chicago.
Kim Foxx responded to the order, saying, “I respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusion that, in the absence of any conflict, the appointment of a special prosecutor is required.”
She continued, “As always, I remain committed to transparency, justice, and the public safety of the communities we serve.”
