Jussie Smollett Sued By City Of Chicago

The City of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Jussie Smollett, seeking three times the damages it said it ran up while investigating the actor.

Prosecutors say Smollett staged a homophobic and racist attack to boost his career, but the 36-year-old has always maintained his innocence.

Charges against him were dropped after Smollett forfeited a $10,000 (£7,600) bond payment and did community service.

The exact amount prosecutors want Smollett to pay was not revealed.

After charges were dropped against Empire actor Jussie Smollett, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said that he had been given special treatment because of his celebrity status.

And President Donald Trump described the case as an "embarrassment to America".

Smollett was given seven days by the City of Chicago to pay $130,000 (£99,000) to cover the investigation's cost - but threatened to sue when the deadline passed.