The files being released Friday evening come the day after Chicago police released the full investigative file from the Jussie Smollett case.
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office released more than 2,000 pages worth of documents tied to the Jussie Smollett’s criminal case after a judge lifted a seal on the case.
The files being released Friday evening come the day after Chicago police released the full investigative file from the Smollett case.
Foxx’s office has faced heavy backlash since the abrupt dropping of all charges against Smollett at a surprise hearing in late March, two months after the actor — who is black and gay — reported to police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Streeterville.
In a statement Friday that accompanied the released documents, the state’s attorney’s office denied Foxx having any conflict of interest in the case and said she only recused herself because of “rumors that she was related to Smollett.”
In comments attributed to Foxx, she said she regretted “that my attempts to this end created confusion outside the office.”
“I did not have a conflict of interest in this case; only a sincere desire to serve the community,” the statement reads. “I spoke with Mr. Smollett’s family and others while he was still considered to be the victim of a hate crime in an effort to streamline the case and alleviate any concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
“The public’s trust is paramount to our work,” the statement continues. “That is why today I am releasing material above and beyond what is required. It is my sincere hope that this transparency and the ongoing investigation of the Cook County Independent Inspector General will provide guidance and lessons on how to serve you better. I am sorry that despite the best intentions, our efforts were less than what was required of the moment.
