Jussie Smollett charges dropped, actor won't be prosecuted on charges he faked attack
Calling himself a man of faith, "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett said Tuesday that he felt vindicated after a stunning reversal by the Cook County State's Attorney's office to drop all charges against him in an alleged hate crime hoax.
Smollett was accused of faking an anti-black, anti-gay hate crime in Chicago in order to drum up publicity for his role on the Fox drama.
Smollett, who posed with fans outside the courthouse, thanked his friends and family for standing by him. He also thanks the state of Illinois for "attempting to what's right."
"Not for a moment was it in vain. I've been truthful and consistent on every level since day one," he said. "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of."
Smollett called the attack and the months that followed "an incredibly difficult time."
"Honestly, one of the worst of my entire life," he said. "But I am a man of faith and I'm a man that has knowledge of my history and I would not bring my family our lives, or the movement into a fire like this. I just wouldn't . Now I'd like nothing more than to just get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistake I will always continue to fight for justice, equality and betterment of marginalized people everywhere."
Smollett was initially charged with one count of lying to the authorities on Feb. 20. A few days later, a grand jury indicted him on 16 felony counts of lying to authorities — eight counts for what he told the officer who responded to the report of the Jan. 29 attack in downtown Chicago, and eight counts for what he later told a detective about being the victim of a brutal racist and homophobic beating by two masked men.
Smollett claimed two men beat him, poured bleach on him and placed a rope around his neck before yelling, "This is MAGA country."
A week before the alleged attack, Smollett told authorities he received a threatening letter at work. Chicago police pushed back and accused Smollett of faking the letter as well.
Fox News learned the judge on Tuesday granted a nolle pros, which essentially means that the case has been dropped and that Smollett will no longer be prosecuted for the alleged crime.
It's unclear at this time why the court decided not to proceed with prosecution.
Typically, a minimum condition of dropping cases is some acceptance of responsibility. In a statement, the Cook County prosecutors' office offered no detailed explanation.
"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," the statement from spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.
Smollett paid $10,000 in bail to get out of jail after his arrest.
Among the unanswered questions was whether prosecutors still believe Smollett concocted the attack and whether new evidence emerged that altered their view of events.
Doubt was cast on the open-and-shut nature of the case when Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham wrote the Justice Department following reports that Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx asked Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson to let the FBI investigate Smollett's allegations that he was attacked by two masked men after the former chief of staff to former first lady Michelle Obama allegedly informed Foxx that Smollett's family had concerns about the probe.
According to local reports, Johnson was blindsided by Tuesday's events and is expected to address the situation later in the day.
Smollett attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement that Smollett's record "has been wiped clean."
Anne Kavanaugh, the crisis manager the actor hired, said Smollet is a "victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement."
A rep for Fox, which produces and airs "Empire," said the studio and network had no immediate comment.
A spokeswoman for Cook County prosecutors didn't immediately respond to messages requesting comment.

Source:https://apple.news/AFQ8Tc8W-RhOAShW7tUUKOA

I actually do not think you’re lying. That’s the truth. He has the gate numbers and the PPVs on this side. It’s a complete dominance. I heard McGregor made 100m dollars from that fight. He’s made for life!

Justin Bieber is focusing on his mental health right now, not music.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Monday the singer explained that he sees the messages from his followers expressing a desire for a new album.
"I've toured my whole teenage life, and early 20s, I realized and as you guys probably saw I was unhappy last tour and I don't deserve that and you don't deserve that, you pay money to come and have a lively energetic fun light concert and I was unable emotionally to give you that near the end of the tour," he wrote.
Bieber released his "Purpose" album in 2015 and two years later ended his tour early "due to unforeseen circumstances."
At the time he posted a letter on Instagram to explain the tour cancellation.
"I want my career to be sustainable, but I also want my mind heart and soul to be sustainable," Bieber wrote then. "So that I can be the man I want to be, the husband I eventually want to be and the father I want to be."
Sine then Bieber has married model Hailey Baldwin and his new note mentions how he's trying to deal with his "deep rooted issues" to help his new marriage.
"I have been looking, seeking, trial and error as most of us do, I am now very focused on repairing some of the deep rooted issues that I have as most of us have, so that I don't fall apart, so that I can sustain my marriage and be the father I want to be," he wrote.
The former teen idol added "Music is very important to me but Nothing comes before my family and my health."
"I will come with a kick a** album ASAP, my swag is undeniable and my drive is indescribable his love is supernatural his grace is that reliable.... the top is where I reside period whether I make music or not the king said so," Bieber said. "But I will come with a vengeance believe that."
© 2019 Cable News Network, Inc.
Source: https://apple.news/AHiLgj-5zRkmL7gw5lxVyzw

UFC star Conor McGregor announced his unexpected retirement from mixed martial arts in a post on social media in the early hours of Tuesday.


The announcement came just hours after McGregor, 30, told "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in a pre-taped interview that he and the UFC were negotiating a potential return to the Octagon in July.

"We're in talks for July," McGregor said in his Tonight Show appearance. "We'll see what happens, a lot of politics going on. The fight game is a mad game. But like I said, to my fans, I am in shape and I am ready.

"I have done my piece for the company. I don't necessarily need to fight. I am set for life. My family is set for life. We are good, but I am eager to fight. So, we'll see what happens. I'm staying ready."

UFC president Dana White told ESPN that McGregor's retirement "totally makes sense." White also said he believes the announcement is legitimate.

"He has the money to retire, and his [Proper 12] whiskey is KILLIN it," White said via text message. "It totally makes sense. If I was him, I would retire too. He's retiring from fighting. Not from working. The whiskey will keep him busy, and I'm sure he has other things he's working on.

"He has been so fun to watch!!! He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him, and I look forward to seeing him be as successful outside of the Octagon as he was in it."

McGregor (21-4) has "retired" on social media before. In April 2016, he announced on Twitter, "I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later."

At that time, McGregor and the UFC were in negotiations regarding a potential fight at UFC 200. McGregor ultimately did not fight at UFC 200, but he appeared in the Octagon one month later in a highly profitable second fight against his rival Nate Diaz.

McGregor's representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26361639/ufc-mcgregor-says-tweet-retiring?platform=amp

Former Lagos State Governor and National leader of APC who has been a back bone of APC since 2015, speaks on stepping down as a National leader.

READ ALSO: How I stopped Tinubu from becoming vice president in 2015 – Saraki

Tinubu steps down
He said he has worked hard, build people in Nigeria politics, it is time for him to stay as an elder statesman, no more following candidates campaigning up and down

Source: https://jamyco.com/breaking-tinubu-steps-down-as-a-national-leader-of-apc-give-reasons/

So a fan just asked of the music crooner, seems all is not well with the silk former PSqaure entertainment artist

See his epic reply

adonbilivit:
hello bro. were u able to get one? Iam also movint to aba and would need a self con

I have since left that job in Aba and relocated out of the country

In addition to the last post she is also a marine spirit, your destiny just evaporated with the pussy! I really don't know how we can help you now cos you are now unfortunate! Who can help?

If by now after all the years he is still a truck driver and has no ambition to help himself through self development or education. Dump his ass with a cheque of N5m,
Trust me he won't be too sad. Never leave him empty handed the swear from Armageddon will never leave you���

Thanks Guys, you all saved a lady's buck, time and emotional feelings. We should be proud of ourselves. I think she's smarter with this experience. @Redgal thanks for sharing your time with all of us. Hopefully we can still read from you. Lol

This is deep. It could be on either sides both more on the parts of insincerity.
I live in the DMV. Am Nigerian i know about the struggle of Africans but ill rather thread cautions in offering my advice.
If it would be of any help, PM me lets talk .

OP you dey madt gon!!!!!! Idiot

Am in MD, looks nice for me!!!!

Whats that?

khiaa:


My posts are full of wisdom and you would realize that if you stop thinking with a man's point of view and leave your male ego out of it, remember the original poster is a woman who is miserable because she isn't being satisfied in her marriage.

Tell me, how satisfied would you be if your wife laid in the bed like a frigid stiff board when you are giving her your best, how satisfied would you be?

As far as all women not being alike, I can tell you that if a woman agrees to have sexx with a man she definitely wants to be satisfied just like you do.

Why don't you give the poster some good advice other than telling her to stay in an unhappy marriage or praying to God because these options she already knows.

PS... we all know that marriage isn't all about sex but the lack of sex is her complaint. If your partner is complaining about sexx you better listen.

I beg to completely disagree with you, that a lady has issues with sex in her marriage is a product of a failed lifestyle and morality. I repeat my dear, there is nothing like "cuming to early or one rounds' in days of old and i mean in the early 1900-1965. This generation has degenerated to almost a complete waste where issues like this are discussed and other stupid conversations like Gay/Lesbianism and homosexuality have the floor.

Tell me why are you so unfair and wicked to advise her to quit her marriage because her man cums early or doesn't last beyond a round?
Do you think the man is even ok with that condition? don't you realize he is trying to help his situation and all that?

We need to all grow up![b][/b]

@Khiaa
Quit been Petty in arguments and delusional in reasoning. You can't speak for all women, it's not your right and place.
A woman can be satisfied if she wants to! You are married to a man not cos of sex for for fulfillment and compatibility.
I hate to see some writes up that are not spiced with not even an atom of wisdom.

Quote me and wake the Angel within!!!!

I think this is fantastic!! Of all the women shaaa, it had to be #HnnAfrica Madam Kemi, am impressed!!!!

Tough times indeed do not last, TOUGH PEOPLE DO

Absolutely!!! This particular beef is not worth the salts.
In other news, am kinda liking this #hnnAfrica woman shaaa.
Big up to honest discourse.

Next time don't bomb into others thread without purpose!

purpleNG:

Must you quote me?

okies dokies
i'll keep a tab on the name.
Nice day buddy!

Raiders:
lol. I live in California but if you ever visit Cali or if I ever visit DMV. I will holla you. I know there are lots of Nigeria in the DMV area so it shouldn't be hard meeting a Nigerian

Yeah as you hav been advised, go through this thread, it has a lot of relevant stuffs, that helped me settle in quickly. (for the bashers - i came in Nov, so am still relatively fresh)
_

Bettywealth1:
Gudmorning, fellow nairalanders and Travellers to the US, pls I will need info and help from any kind hearted individual so that I can be well-equipped on the dos and dont in America. Let me break the news.... God has favoured me ooo I was given a visiting visa last week b1/b2 visa. I'm so excited but I dont want to get there and be a Novice.... I'm begging for information n eye opening replies..., Thanks everyone

Not really, his descriptn is apt. and thats talking from current experience.

diva90:
Almost a year since you have been in America. What is your current perspective on it now? I'm sure the excitement has worn off and you are now facing the true reality. Update us

LePrezident:
Maryland as in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos abi?

LA, is quite far
Except if i have reason to come there in Winter Springs

Atakata:
Am in Los Angeles.

Sorry for people who thought you were somebody

purpleNG:
Lolzzzz,must you come here to flaunt

HitlerGaddafi:

Sorry I'm not in Washington nor Maryland but I'm in vagina right now. Unfortunately, I've already cum and go because things were very tight and warm there.

Wow!!
We cool together naaa!
if you not too occupied, we could grab a drink together

Raiders:
DMV

I understand how it feels

ipobarecriminals:
make person see front. bicos u manage get visa go Trump country, we nor go hear word again..OK, I stay around Sultan road,Enugu olz p5 Maryland

Hi Guys,
If you around, these areas...MD,DC,VA, Baltimore and the likes holla, lets connect, Man/Woman..... no preferences
But if you really pretty and wanna have a buddy around. PM me lets make it real. lolz
For starters i stay at Suitland, close to District Heights, MD

Bye-ya