‘Empire’ films near scene of alleged Jussie Smollett attack
Chicagoans rarely blink an eye anymore when they see signs posted announcing street closures for film crews.
But when notices for “Empire” — whose sixth and final season premieres Sept. 24 — appeared in a certain part of Streeterville, residents, fans of the show and anyone who’s been following the Jussie Smollett saga raised their eyebrows.
The filming location is two blocks from where the former “Empire” actor’s alleged hate crime took place. The attack was reported to have happened in the 300 block of East North Lower Water Street, and filming is taking place on North McClurg Street and North Water Street.
Streeterville residents shared photos on Twitter of filming notices posted around the neighborhood.
In late January, Smollett told Chicago police two men attacked him and hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him while telling him, “This is MAGA country,” referring to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Investigators later found evidence that Smollett may have staged the attack against himself, and he was charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct — all of which were abruptly dropped by Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office.
Since then, a Cook County judge has agreed to select a special prosecutor to investigate the hate crime claims and the state’s attorney’s office’s handling of it. Smollett also is facing a civil lawsuit from the city to recover the cost of the weekslong investigation.