Outraged Rahm Emanuel slams decision to drop Smollett hoax case as 'whitewash of justice'

An outraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasted the prosecution’s decision Tuesday to drop all charges against Jussie Smollett, calling it a “whitewash of justice” resulting from the celebrity actor’s “influence and power.”

“This is without a doubt a whitewash of justice, and sends a clear message that if you’re in a position of influence and power, you’ll get treated one way. Other people will be treated another way,” Mr. Emanuel said at a press conference. “There is no accountability then in the system. It is wrong, full stop.”

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson stood by his department’s investigation, which alleged that Mr. Smollett falsely reported that he was attacked by two men Jan. 29 for being black and gay.

“Do I think justice was served? No. Where do I think justice is? I think this city is still owed an apology,” Mr. Johnson said.

Police and city officials said they were blindsided by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s decision Tuesday to drop all 16 felony charges against the 36-year-old Smollett, who stars in the Fox show “Empire,” and seal the record.