Prosecutor threatened after charges dropped against Jussie Smollett
The Associated Press
FILE – In this Feb. 22, 2019 file photo, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference, in Chicago. Text messages show Fox, the Chicago prosecutor whose office handled the case of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett told her top deputy that Smollett was a "washed up celeb" who was overcharged. The office of Cook County State’s Attorney released thousands of documents from the investigation late Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in response to media requests. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
FILE – In this March 26, 2019, file photo, actor Jussie Smollett smiles and waves to supporters before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped in Chicago. Text messages show the Chicago prosecutor whose office handled the case of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett told her top deputy that Smollett was a "washed up celeb" who was overcharged. The office of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx released thousands of documents from the investigation late Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in response to media requests. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)
CHICAGO — The Chicago prosecutor whose office handled the Jussie Smollett case has received death threats in the wake of the dismissal of charges against the “Empire” actor.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports chief of staff to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx confirmed Monday the prosecutor’s “physical safety” has been threatened in the wake of the Smollett case. Jennifer Ballard Croft said a number of the threats “contained racially-charged language.”
Ballard Croft says the threats came in the form of emails and calls but declined to provide additional details.
Smollett was charged with lying to police about being the victim of a racist, homophobic attack in January. Charges were dropped last month.
Ballard Croft said some people have voiced displeasure about the outcome, while others have been threatening and forwarded for investigation.
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