Jussie Smollett (Photo: Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times via AP)
Robservations on the media beat:
From Neil Steinberg’s one-word tweet “Wow!” to Roe Conn’s near meltdown on the air, Chicago media figures could not conceal their shock and dismay at the dismissal of charges Tuesday against Jussie Smollett, the "Empire" actor accused of lying to police about being the target of a racist, anti-gay attack. "WHOA!!! WHAT THE....?" tweeted Dean Richards. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx bore the brunt of the outrage on social media. Ben Bradley tweeted: “If Kim Foxx thinks she can issue a written statement and be done with a case that gave Chicago a huge black eye, she’s mistaken.” Eric Zorn tweeted: “Utterly tone deaf statement on behalf of @SAKimFoxx whose reputation and political future must now be said to be in doubt. And whose relationship with the Chicago Police must now lie in tatters. Sheesh.” Paris Schutz tweeted: “The S.A. Office should at least answer: 1.) Why did they apparently blindsided the CPD with this decision 2.) Why was #Smollett allowed to maintain innocence and not admit to some level of culpability or issue a public apology?” And then there was this from Joe Walsh: “Thank you Chicago Police Department for doing your job. Thank you all you Chicago Cops who devoted huge amounts of time & dedication to this case. I apologize that a few corrupt Cook County/Chicago politicians just shit all over your work. You deserve better.” Continue reading
