Chicago Suing Jussie Smollett for Overtime From 'False Police Report'

Chicago officials have announced that they plan on filing a civil lawsuit against Jussie Smollett for police overtime incurred during what they call a "false police report" filed by the actor.

Officials first presented the bill to the Empire actor after 16 felony counts were dropped against the actor, and backlash ensued from city officials. When the actor denied payment, the city moved swifty to announced a lawsuit.

"Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019," the statement reads that was sent to The Advocate. "The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook Country."

"Once it is filed, the Law Department will send a courtesy copy of the complaint to Mr. Smollett's Los Angeles-based legal team," it continued.

Smollett's team responded to The Advocate immediately after the announcement was made and stated they will not be commenting on the matter at this time.

The gay Empire star reported he was the victim of a hate crime January 29 in downtown Chicago. He said two men attacked him, saying "This is MAGA country," a reference to Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again." Smollett said they used racist and homophobic slurs, punched him, poured a liquid (possibly bleach) on him, and hung a noose around his neck.

Chicago police investigated, but they eventually declared the attack a hoax staged by Smollett and two associates - something he still denies.

He was accused of filing a false police report, for which he was charged February 20 with one felony count of disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty. Additional charges brought by the grand jury also arose from the allegedly false police report.

Then, shockingly, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office dropped the charges on March 26, hinting that Chicago had bigger problems then prosecuting a well-heeled celebrity accused of a non-violent crime.

"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, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case," the Cook County State's Attorney's office announced in its statement.

While Smollett forfeited his bond, he has not reimbursed the city for police overtime spent working on his case, according to Thursday's statement. City officials, including Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, have not been shy about expressing their anger at Smollett.

This story is developing and will be updated...