U.S. Sen. Kennedy Cites “Hollywood Privilege” In Dismissal Of Charges Against Smollett
"The dismissal of all charges against Jussie Smollett is just another example of Hollywood privilege."
Those words are from U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who shares the frustration many felt across the country following Tuesday's announcement that prosecutors in Chicago, Illinois, were dropping the charges against the actor. Smollett is accused of orchestrating a fake hate crime against himself, and he faced more than 64 years in prison on 16 counts of disorderly conduct.
"There shouldn't be one set of rules for ordinary people and another set of rules for Hollywood actors with political connections," continues Sen. Kennedy. What Mr. Smollett is accused of doing is disgusting. If you or I did what he did, we would be put under the jail. Ordinary Americans who get up every day, go to work, obey the law, pay their taxes and try to teach their kids morals get cracker crumbs. Privileged actors who hire someone to fake a hate crime, file a false police report and get indicted on 16 charges get cake. That's embarrassing."
Kennedy continued by calling for the U.S. attorney to review the case for violations of federal crimes.
"Since Chicago prosecutors refuse to do their job, the U.S. attorney should review the case for violations of federal crimes. I don't buy that Mr. Smollett should be excused for his crime because it was nonviolent. That's not criminal justice reform. Justice exists when people receive their just desserts. Committing a crime should have consequences. This was not justice."