JUSSIE SMOLLETT: Chicago Threatens Lawsuit

Jussie Smollett escaped criminal charges but Chicago will take him to civil court “in the near future.”

The Empire actor missed Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s deadline to write a $130,000 check. The city will file a lawsuit to collect that money and can legally ask for triple the amount.

A spokesman said, (quote) “Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the city of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report.”

Officials are convinced Smollett staged an attack and sent police on a wild goose chase in search of suspects. A grand jury indicted Smollett for filing a false police report. Then Cook County prosecutors dropped all 16 felony counts. (Chicago Tribune)