Update: Jussie Smollet gave his first response to the charges being dropped. In a press conference, he said: "I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one. I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I have been accused of."
Joe Magats, the first assistant state's attorney, spoke to the New York Times. Magats said that while the charges have been dropped, Smollett has not be exonerated.
Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes, Smollett's lawyers, released a statement on Tuesday (March 26th):
He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgment.
Smollett's lawyers also added that his “record has been wiped clean."
This development comes just weeks after Smollett pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. He has also denied the claims that he staged the attack on January 29th, when two men, wearing Donald Trump gear, allegedly attacked him and shouted racists and homophobic things to him.
