Smollett case was closed weeks before being dismissed: report | TheHill - The Hill

The investigation into actor Jussie Smollett's claim that he was attacked by two men in Chicago who supposedly shouted racist and pro-Trump messages at him was closed weeks before police announced that no charges would be filed, according to documents.

CNN reported Friday that police were told by officials in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office just a week after the actor reported the attack that they could no longer investigate Smollett's claims.

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An assistant state attorney reportedly told police officials that Smollett would resolve the case by paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

Smollett's attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment on the news when contacted by CNN on Thursday.

Charges against the "Empire" actor were dropped in late March after an initial investigation into a reported hate crime against Smollett evolved into an investigation into whether the actor had lied to police about the incident and paid two brothers who worked with the show to stage the assault.

Smollett's case generated massive public nationwide attention due to the nature of his claims, which detailed a shocking attack apparently at the hands of President TrumpDonald John TrumpMexican president on Trump immigration tariffs: 'America First is a fallacy' Bennet warns against 'race to judgment' on Trump impeachment Grassley slams Trump tariffs on Mexico: 'A misuse of presidential tariff authority' MORE's supporters. The president has called Smollett's accusations "racist" in tweets criticizing the actor for his supposedly false accusations.

".@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA" Trump tweeted in March days after the charges were dropped.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said at the time that Smollett's decision to do community service and forfeit his bond to the city was a "just" outcome even as Smollett continued to maintain his side of the events publicly.

"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet’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 office said in March. 

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https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/446291-smollett-case-was-closed-weeks-before-being-dismissed-report

2019-05-31 12:24:11Z
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Nicole Kidman on Meryl Streep joining 'Big Little Lies' cast: 'We're so fortunate that she believed in us' - Fox News

NEW YORK – The demand for the second season of HBO's hit drama series, "Big Little Lies," came as a shock to one of the show's stars Nicole Kidman.

The Emmy-winner didn't expect fans to be so dedicated to the character's complicated storylines and wanting to learn more about them.

At the New York City premiere for Season 2, Kidman confessed she didn't intend on doing more episodes when she first signed on to the project, co-executive produced by and starring friend Reese Witherspoon. "The fans wanted it so we went, 'Okay!' and what a fantastic thing," she told reporters on the red carpet.

REESE WITHERSPOON ON WORKING WITH MERYL STREEP ON 'BIG LITTLE LIES': SHE'S 'FABULOUS'

"Thank you to the fans and the audiences," she added.

Kidman is still in awe that three-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep, signed on to be part of the cast. "We're so fortunate that she believed in us," Kidman expressed. "She signed on without having read anything. That is a massive thing for a woman with that amount of power and also the fall she could take if we didn't deliver for her."

"It shows the trust. It also shows how she's unbelievably daring and curious and bold. And I love her!"

NICOLE KIDMAN, KEITH URBAN POSE FOR PLAYFUL SELFIE DURING DATE NIGHT

Kidman's husband, musician Keith Urban, was right by her side as she walked down the blue carpet. He complimented his wife's show and said it's "a good insight behind the scenes look" at women's friendships and relationships.

"It's an amazing series," he added. "It's extraordinary... a wild ride."

Earlier in the evening, the Oscar-winner told Entertainment Tonight regarding Urban, “I have the most extraordinary partner in life."

NICOLE KIDMAN TALKS HER 'SIMPLE' HOME LIFE AND SETTING 'BOUNDARIES' FOR HER DAUGHTERS WITH KEITH URBAN

"I will always say that about him. I’m one of the very fortunate women in the world to have had a wonderful father, and I have a wonderful husband, and I’m just very — I love to be able to say that, because to talk about the good men that have influenced me and affected me," she added.

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2019-05-31 11:53:58Z
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Nicole Kidman on Meryl Streep joining 'Big Little Lies' cast: 'We're so fortunate that she believed in us' - Fox News

NEW YORK – The demand for the second season of HBO's hit drama series, "Big Little Lies," came as a shock to one of the show's stars Nicole Kidman.

The Emmy-winner didn't expect fans to be so dedicated to the character's complicated storylines and wanting to learn more about them.

At the New York City premiere for Season 2, Kidman confessed she didn't intend on doing more episodes when she first signed on to the project, co-executive produced by and starring friend Reese Witherspoon. "The fans wanted it so we went, 'Okay!' and what a fantastic thing," she told reporters on the red carpet.

REESE WITHERSPOON ON WORKING WITH MERYL STREEP ON 'BIG LITTLE LIES': SHE'S 'FABULOUS'

"Thank you to the fans and the audiences," she added.

Kidman is still in awe that three-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep, signed on to be part of the cast. "We're so fortunate that she believed in us," Kidman expressed. "She signed on without having read anything. That is a massive thing for a woman with that amount of power and also the fall she could take if we didn't deliver for her."

"It shows the trust. It also shows how she's unbelievably daring and curious and bold. And I love her!"

NICOLE KIDMAN, KEITH URBAN POSE FOR PLAYFUL SELFIE DURING DATE NIGHT

Kidman's husband, musician Keith Urban, was right by her side as she walked down the blue carpet. He complimented his wife's show and said it's "a good insight behind the scenes look" at women's friendships and relationships.

"It's an amazing series," he added. "It's extraordinary... a wild ride."

Earlier in the evening, the Oscar-winner told Entertainment Tonight regarding Urban, “I have the most extraordinary partner in life."

NICOLE KIDMAN TALKS HER 'SIMPLE' HOME LIFE AND SETTING 'BOUNDARIES' FOR HER DAUGHTERS WITH KEITH URBAN

"I will always say that about him. I’m one of the very fortunate women in the world to have had a wonderful father, and I have a wonderful husband, and I’m just very — I love to be able to say that, because to talk about the good men that have influenced me and affected me," she added.

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2019-05-31 10:50:40Z
52780305317290

Jussie Smollett prosecutors closed investigation weeks before dismissing case, unsealed documents reveal - CNN

Assistant State Attorney Risa Lanier told detectives she felt the case would be settled by Smollett paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

It was a month later in March when prosecutors announced they were dismissing the 16 charges against Smollett, saying the "Empire" actor forfeited his bail money and had done community service.

Smollett had told police that two attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.

But after an extensive investigation, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

The case was national news for weeks and the dismissal of charges prompted critics to say the office of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was treating Smollett differently because he is a celebrity.

CNN reached out to Smollett's legal team Thursday, but attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment.

His attorney told detectives about two witnesses

In the new documents, Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian pointed to two witnesses who said they saw at least one white man near where Smollett said he was attacked.

One was a woman walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. and said she saw a white man who appeared to have a rope underneath his jacket. The man looked away when the woman looked at him, she told detectives.

Another was a security guard at a hotel who saw a white man wearing a ski mask at 2 a.m., around the time of the alleged incident. The guard said another man ran by, pointing to the other man in the mask.

"This is the first time we are seeing any of this," Glandian wrote in an email.

As the investigation into his claims of a hate crime attack had progressed, Smollett was asked by police whether two brothers could be the perpetrators.

No, he said, according to police documents, because there were "black as sin."

Smollett said he had no issues with the brothers

Smollett told police at the beginning that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29 by two white men.

When questioned February 14 about the brothers, who at the time were in police custody, Smollett, who is gay, said he didn't have any issues with them.

"They are straight so we don't have any problems with women or men," he said. "They did not owe me any money, I don't owe them any money. We have a good relationship."

The case file also has details about the "unknown chemical substance" police said the "Empire" actor claimed was poured on him during the attack.

The two brothers confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot, with one saying he filled a hot sauce bottle with bleach and poured it on Smollett.

That container was found at the scene of the alleged attack, police said.

Police have previously alleged that text messages show Smollett bought drugs from one brothers. In the documents, they said those drugs included marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

CNN's Bill Kirkos, Rosalina Nieves and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/31/entertainment/jussie-smollett-case-file-documents/index.html

2019-05-31 10:22:00Z
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Jussie Smollett prosecutors closed investigation weeks before dismissing case, unsealed documents reveal - CNN

Assistant State Attorney Risa Lanier told detectives she felt the case would be settled by Smollett paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

It was a month later in March when prosecutors announced they were dismissing the 16 charges against Smollett, saying the "Empire" actor forfeited his bail money and had done community service.

Smollett had told police that two attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.

But after an extensive investigation, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

The case was national news for weeks and the dismissal of charges prompted critics to say the office of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was treating Smollett differently because he is a celebrity.

CNN reached out to Smollett's legal team Thursday, but attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment.

His attorney told detectives about two witnesses

In the new documents, Smollett 's attorney Tina Glandian pointed to two witnesses who said they saw at least one white man near where Smollett said he was attacked.

One was a woman walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. and said she saw a white man who appeared to have a rope underneath his jacket. The man looked away when the woman looked at him, she told detectives.

Another was a security guard at a hotel who saw a white man wearing a ski mask at 2 a.m., around the time of the alleged incident. The guard said another man ran by, pointing to the other man in the mask.

"This is the first time we are seeing any of this," Glandian wrote in an email.

As the investigation into his claims of a hate crime attack had progressed, Smollett was asked by police whether two brothers could be the perpetrators.

No, he said, according to police documents, because there were "black as sin."

Smollett said he had no issues with the brothers

Smollett told police at the beginning that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29 by two white men.

When questioned February 14 about the brothers, who at the time were in police custody, Smollett, who is gay, said he didn't have any issues with them.

"They are straight so we don't have any problems with women or men," he said. "They did not owe me any money, I don't owe them any money. We have a good relationship."

The case file also has details about the "unknown chemical substance" police said the "Empire" actor claimed was poured on him during the attack.

The two brothers confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot, with one saying he filled a hot sauce bottle with bleach and poured it on Smollett.

That container was found at the scene of the alleged attack, police said.

Police have previously alleged that text messages show Smollett bought drugs from one brothers. In the documents, they said those drugs included marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

CNN's Bill Kirkos, Rosalina Nieves and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/31/entertainment/jussie-smollett-case-file-documents/index.html

2019-05-31 08:02:00Z
52780306274748

Jussie Smollett prosecutors closed investigation weeks before dismissing case, unsealed documents reveal - CNN

Assistant State Attorney Risa Lanier told detectives she felt the case would be settled by Smollett paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

It was a month later in March when prosecutors announced they were dismissing the 16 charges against Smollett, saying the "Empire" actor forfeited his bail money and had done community service.

Smollett had told police that two attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.

But after an extensive investigation, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

The case was national news for weeks and the dismissal of charges prompted critics to say the office of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was treating Smollett differently because he is a celebrity.

CNN reached out to Smollett's legal team Thursday, but attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment.

His attorney told detectives about two witnesses

In the new documents, Smollett 's attorney Tina Glandian pointed to two witnesses who said they saw at least one white man near where Smollett said he was attacked.

One was a woman walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. and said she saw a white man who appeared to have a rope underneath his jacket. The man looked away when the woman looked at him, she told detectives.

Another was a security guard at a hotel who saw a white man wearing a ski mask at 2 a.m., around the time of the alleged incident. The guard said another man ran by, pointing to the other man in the mask.

"This is the first time we are seeing any of this," Glandian wrote in an email.

As the investigation into his claims of a hate crime attack had progressed, Smollett was asked by police whether two brothers could be the perpetrators.

No, he said, according to police documents, because there were "black as sin."

Smollett said he had no issues with the brothers

Smollett told police at the beginning that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29 by two white men.

When questioned February 14 about the brothers, who at the time were in police custody, Smollett, who is gay, said he didn't have any issues with them.

"They are straight so we don't have any problems with women or men," he said. "They did not owe me any money, I don't owe them any money. We have a good relationship."

The case file also has details about the "unknown chemical substance" police said the "Empire" actor claimed was poured on him during the attack.

The two brothers confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot, with one saying he filled a hot sauce bottle with bleach and poured it on Smollett.

That container was found at the scene of the alleged attack, police said.

Police have previously alleged that text messages show Smollett bought drugs from one brothers. In the documents, they said those drugs included marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

CNN's Bill Kirkos, Rosalina Nieves and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.

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2019-05-31 07:15:00Z
52780306274748

Singer Leon Redbone Has Died, Age Unknown - NPR

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Leon Redbone performs on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on April 24, 1991. NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images hide caption

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NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Leon Redbone, the perpetually anachronistic, famously mysterious artist who rose to prominence as a performer on Toronto's folk circuit in the early '70s, died Thursday while in hospice care in Bucks County, Pa.

Redbone's family confirmed his death through a publicist. No cause was given, and Redbone's age was a subject of speculation for decades.

"I've heard he's anywhere from 25 to 60," Bob Dylan told Rolling Stone in 1974, "and I can't tell, but you gotta see him." That same year, when asked about his age by Rolling Stone, Redbone replied: "Of course I don't know. It's just something I vaguely recall. I can't say for sure." In the news release announcing his death, Redbone's age was cited as 127.

The only things known — ostensibly — of Redbone's origins were revealed by Toronto Star columnist George Gamester in the 1980s: that he was a Cypriot named Dickran Gobalian, who emigrated to Ontario in the 1960s and changed his name after arriving in Canada.

Redbone's obscurantist tendencies, including his ever-present, masking uniform of sunglasses, bushy mustache and Panama hat, gave Redbone the aura of a quixotic time-traveler, someone who simply stepped onto the stage fully formed.

And Redbone was a man happily — or at least, authentically — out-of-time. He played dusty classics — from Tin Pan Alley and ragtime to blues and country — with a loose fidelity, always anchored by his casually lovely and always wry voice.

Dylan's endorsement, made at the apex of Dylan and Rolling Stone's cultural footprints, was a defining endorsement for Redbone and widened interest in him from stars of the era, including Bonnie Raitt and John Prine.

His commercial success, according to the Billboard charts, peaked in 1977 when the album Double Time reached the top 50 — helped, in part, by two performances during Saturday Night Live's debut season. But Redbone remained a cultural presence for decades, singing the theme song for '80s sitcom Mr. Belvedere and appearing as "Leon the Snowman" in the now-classic Christmas film Elf in 2003.

In 2015, Redbone announced his retirement from touring, with a rep citing health concerns. He followed that retirement up with another album, Long Way Home, composed of his earliest recordings and released by Jack White's label, Third Man Records.

When asked by NPR's Lynn Neary in 1984 whether he enjoyed his performances, Redbone responded with a wink: "I never have a good time ... but I try."

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https://www.npr.org/2019/05/30/728315252/leon-redbone-an-unusual-singer-from-a-bygone-era-has-died

2019-05-30 17:54:00Z
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