Jussie Smollet Trial

William Parcher · 6th June 2019, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by Myles

So.....this is the noose?

It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil.

I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The original leaked reports said that it was brand new clothesline and pristine straight from the package. It was also said to be tied more like a Windsor knot.

But now seeing this, it's more ridiculous than anything. This rope is like the poison powder letter. Both are a satire of an actual threat.

Like an "armed robbery" using a pointed index finger and the thumb sticking up. What's that? The hammer and the barrel, stupid!

Continued from here.
You may quote or reply to any post in the original thread.

Posted By:zooterkin

theprestige · 6th June 2019, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Whip

[ COLOR = "White" ]. .[ / COLOR ]

“Jussie [Smollett] will NOT be returning to ‘Empire,'” series co-creator Lee Daniels said Tuesday.

What exactly were you trying to say, Whip?

Whip · 6th June 2019, 10:26 AM

that they were trying to do exactly what I stated they would try. that's all. seemed pretty self explanatory since I highlighted the sentence that confirms it. not sure what you're getting at.

theprestige · 6th June 2019, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Whip

that they were trying to do exactly what I stated they would try. that's all. seemed pretty self explanatory since I highlighted the sentence that confirms it. not sure what you're getting at.

I don't think it's clear they were trying what you said they would try.

It seems like the writers were thinking about it, and then the showrunner said it wasn't going to happen.

Whip · 6th June 2019, 12:18 PM

'breaking ideas' requires effort = trying.

sadhatter · 6th June 2019, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil.

I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The original leaked reports said that it was brand new clothesline and pristine straight from the package. It was also said to be tied more like a Windsor knot.

But now seeing this, it's more ridiculous than anything. This rope is like the poison powder letter. Both are a satire of an actual threat.

Like an "armed robbery" using a pointed index finger and the thumb sticking up. What's that? The hammer and the barrel, stupid!

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I'm thinking they had a thought " a noose isn't really a weapon is it? Maybe we need to make it look like a....tactical noose? Like something a grand wizard would carry around for combat lynchings."

theprestige · 6th June 2019, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Whip

'breaking ideas' requires effort = trying.

Okay, sure.

I was thinking of something more along the lines of a formal strategy by the producers. "We're going to try to keep him on, but if there's too much backlash, we'll go with plan B."

Very different from, "yeah the writers have been kicking around some ideas, but the truth is it's never gonna happen."

Wolrab · 6th June 2019, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil.

I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The original leaked reports said that it was brand new clothesline and pristine straight from the package. It was also said to be tied more like a Windsor knot.

But now seeing this, it's more ridiculous than anything. This rope is like the poison powder letter. Both are a satire of an actual threat.

Like an "armed robbery" using a pointed index finger and the thumb sticking up. What's that? The hammer and the barrel, stupid!

The entire right side of the picture has dozens of hangman's knots!!!111!! kinda sorta

Mike! · 6th June 2019, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Wolrab

The entire right side of the picture has dozens of hangman's knots!!!111!! kinda sorta

They're cheaper by the dozen.

theprestige · 7th June 2019, 01:08 PM

Allegedly the person who made the 911 call worked for Smollett.

Previously I had been thinking that maybe Condo Guy ruined the entire thing by calling the cops instead of just commiserating with Smollett.

But there's an alternate hypothesis, that Smollett wanted Condo Guy to make the 911 call so that Smollett himself wouldn't be on the hook for filing a false police report. "I never called 911! My ~~assistant~~ friend? Yeah, I guess he must have misunderstood what was going on."

Puppycow · 11th June 2019, 12:35 AM

Came across this write-up:
The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs

Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props.

Quote:

• The police note that Smollett had changed his story about what allegedly happened on the night of January 29. According to notes dated February 14, Smollett described one alleged attacker as “pale” and wearing a mask. Previously, he told police that the attacker was white. When Smollett was shown photos of two brothers police had picked up for the attack, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, Smollett denied that they were the attackers because they were “black as sin.”

Quote:

• The brothers testified that they left the clothes they wore during the alleged attack in Nigeria, their native country, which they both traveled to soon after the incident. They also said they filled an empty bottle of El Yucateco hot sauce with bleach and used clothesline for rope during the alleged attack. Smollett had initially told investigators that the attackers tied a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him while shouting racist and homophobic slurs and championing “MAGA country.”

Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?)

Nakani · 11th June 2019, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil.

I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot.

The uptown lyncher prowls manicured neighborhoods with higher branches.

sadhatter · 11th June 2019, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

Came across this write-up:
The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs

Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props.

Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?)

Black as sin....

Who other than my racist uncle ( everyone's racist uncle) uses that phrase?

We have a racist talking guy who falsely charges 2 black guys, and gives right wing racists a great new talking point. With how things went in Boston, maybe he can get a job as the head of a white pride March.

IsThisTheLife · 11th June 2019, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil.
...

It isn't, really. These guys aren't exactly [criminal] jeeniuses.

Whip · 11th June 2019, 11:08 AM

Quote:

When Smollett was shown photos of two brothers police had picked up for the attack, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, Smollett denied that they were the attackers because they were “black as sin.”

damn that's funny after the gma pony show.

trustbutverify · 11th June 2019, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

Came across this write-up:
The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs

Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props.

Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?)

I must be missing something... How is Smollett not in prison?

theprestige · 11th June 2019, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by trustbutverify

I must be missing something... How is Smollett not in prison?

The prosecutor waived prosecution in lieu of community service and time served (I think).

This raises obvious questions about what he was serving for, if no crime had been proven. I guess the community service is he worked a book promotion event for an ally?

William Parcher · 11th June 2019, 02:12 PM

Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell.

theprestige · 11th June 2019, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell.

Thanks for the correction.

Puppycow · 11th June 2019, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by theprestige

The prosecutor waived prosecution in lieu of community service and time served (I think).

This raises obvious questions about what he was serving for, if no crime had been proven. I guess the community service is he worked a book promotion event for an ally?

I don't believe that there was any mandatory community service as part of the deal. The only thing he forfeited was part of his bail money, I believe. If it was, it was "community service" only in the loosest sense of the word. Not the kind of community service that some people get "sentenced" to and hence mandatory (like picking up garbage under supervision).

theprestige · 12th June 2019, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

I don't believe that there was any mandatory community service as part of the deal. The only thing he forfeited was part of his bail money, I believe. If it was, it was "community service" only in the loosest sense of the word. Not the kind of community service that some people get "sentenced" to and hence mandatory (like picking up garbage under supervision).

Thanks, this matches up with my understanding, which is that Foxx basically hand-waved some sort of "well, if you were convicted we'd have to give you community service, but you're doing that socially conscious book signing event or whatever, so we'll just say that counts, or would have counted, or something, and call the matter resolved."

casebro · 12th June 2019, 01:06 PM

But aren't there TWO points of getting it unsealed:

1) Was he guilty? ( yes)

2)Was there some kind if interference/bribery/ chicanery that let him evade a trail? We haven't discussed that aspect. Where are the prosecution's phone records?

trustbutverify · 12th June 2019, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell.

Amazing.

Puppycow · 13th June 2019, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by casebro

But aren't there TWO points of getting it unsealed:

1) Was he guilty? ( yes)

2)Was there some kind if interference/bribery/ chicanery that let him evade a trail? We haven't discussed that aspect. Where are the prosecution's phone records?

As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election.

Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute.

Puppycow · 13th June 2019, 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell.

Actually, what's your source for this? The BBC reported the following:
Jussie Smollett arrested over false attack report (Date of publication 21 February 2019)

Quote:

Mr Smollett turned himself in early on Thursday and is in custody of Chicago police, spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

He faces felony charges for disorderly conduct and filing a false police report.

The actor is being temporarily held at the Cook County Jail and has been separated from other prisoners, which is common of notable inmates, Chicago media report.

Perhaps he was not being "held" in a jail cell? If memory serves, he was released later on the same day though.

casebro · 13th June 2019, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election.

Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute.

And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama?

casebro · 13th June 2019, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election.

Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute.

And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody up the chain a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama?

William Parcher · 13th June 2019, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

Actually, what's your source for this? The BBC reported the following:
Jussie Smollett arrested over false attack report (Date of publication 21 February 2019)

Perhaps he was not being "held" in a jail cell? If memory serves, he was released later on the same day though.

The term "held" just means that he can't leave the building until procedures happen. He was processed, mugshot, fingerprints - then he posted bond and walked out. It didn't take long at all and the press waited outside for the whole thing. He was never inside a cell.

Originally Posted by ABC 7 News

CPD officials released a portion of its investigative file in the Jussie Smollett case to the ABC7 I-Team on Wednesday in response to a FOIA request. In the 61 pages of field reports, CPD detective chronicle their steps in the investigation and their contact with key players in the case, including Smollett.

In the file, Chicago Police officials write that after Smollett turned himself in at the 1st District, Smollett's attorney asked if he could be released from custody if he promised to show up at bond court. After a CPD sergeant told his attorney that would not be possible, Smollett was searched, fingerprinted and photographed. He was placed in an unmarked police vehicle with tinted windows. The report states that "at no time while in the 001st District, was SMOLLETT handcuffed, placed in a cell or subjected to the media."

When CPD detectives arrived at the Cook County Jail, Smollett was kept in the police vehicle until the jail "receiving area was empty and free from other prisoners." According to the report, Smollett asked that he could "be kept segregated and housed alone until his attendance in bond court" - a request that was honored.

https://abc7news.com/whats-inside-th...-file/5220482/

Puppycow · 13th June 2019, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by casebro

And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama?

I think you refer to Tina Tchen, former chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/5/...ena-hate-crime

What actual relevance that has is unclear though. She is now in private practice.

Puppycow · 13th June 2019, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by William Parcher

The term "held" just means that he can't leave the building until procedures happen. He was processed, mugshot, fingerprints - then he posted bond and walked out. It didn't take long at all and the press waited outside for the whole thing. He was never inside a cell.

Thanks for the clarification.

theprestige · 13th June 2019, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

I think you refer to Tina Tchen, former chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/5/...ena-hate-crime

What actual relevance that has is unclear though. She is now in private practice.

Political connections are political connections. It seems like there was probably a Smollett-Harris-Obama-Foxx axis of influence that was brought to bear on this case. Smollett provides celebrity support for Harris's anti-lynching proposal. When his shenanigans in "MAGA country" start to cause blowback for Harris, an Obama political operative calls the prosecutor and the next thing you know it's all being swept under the rug.

casebro · 13th June 2019, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by theprestige

Political connections are political connections. It seems like there was probably a Smollett-Harris-Obama-Foxx axis of influence that was brought to bear on this case. Smollett provides celebrity support for Harris's anti-lynching proposal. When his shenanigans in "MAGA country" start to cause blowback for Harris, an Obama political operative calls the prosecutor and the next thing you know it's all being swept under the rug.

Yup. Now we need Foxx's phone records.

casebro · 13th June 2019, 04:03 PM

If Smollett wasn't prosecuted, there is no double jeopardy involved ?

fromdownunder · 13th June 2019, 07:46 PM

Isn't sending prohibited substances through the mail, which is a Fed. charge, still potentially on the table?

Norm

Puppycow · 14th June 2019, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by casebro

If Smollett wasn't prosecuted, there is no double jeopardy involved ?

Since it never went to trial (although he was indicted by a grand jury) my understanding is that he could still be prosecuted as long as it's still within the statute of limitation.

Originally Posted by fromdownunder

Isn't sending prohibited substances through the mail, which is a Fed. charge, still potentially on the table?

Norm

That too, conceivably, but we haven't really heard anything on that front. Maybe the feds aren't interested.

LTC8K6 · 14th June 2019, 04:49 PM

The letter is the oddball thing here, imo.

It seems to be the biggest crime committed during this whole kerfuffle, yet we seem to have radio silence on it.

Typically using the mail that way is vigorously prosecuted.

The stamps are cancelled, so it was mailed.

But we only hear crickets...

theprestige · 15th June 2019, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by LTC8K6

The letter is the oddball thing here, imo.

It seems to be the biggest crime committed during this whole kerfuffle, yet we seem to have radio silence on it.

Typically using the mail that way is vigorously prosecuted.

The stamps are cancelled, so it was mailed.

But we only hear crickets...

The letter is a different crime. Committed at a different place and time, investigated by a different agency in a different jurisdiction.

None of the reporting about the horrifying attack is going to have anything to say about the letter.

RecoveringYuppy · 15th June 2019, 06:03 AM

And the letter wasn't all that long ago. It will be five months next week. That's not too long for real life vs a TV crime drama.

Athyrio · 21st June 2019, 05:46 PM

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usa...amp/1523768001

Story is hours old with the forum having been down and everyone interested probably has knowledge of this already but I cannot resist piling it on.

.

theprestige · 21st June 2019, 09:54 PM

One theory I've heard is that because Foxx did not properly recuse herself, her office's deal with Smollett is invalid, and he is still liable for prosecution, without incurring double jeopardy.

6th June 2019, 10:26 AM	#3
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474	that they were trying to do exactly what I stated they would try. that's all. seemed pretty self explanatory since I highlighted the sentence that confirms it. not sure what you're getting at.
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474	Last edited by Whip; 6th June 2019 at 10:27 AM.

6th June 2019, 12:18 PM	#5
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474	'breaking ideas' requires effort = trying.
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474

6th June 2019, 12:38 PM	#6
sadhatter Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,694	Originally Posted by William Parcher It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil. I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The original leaked reports said that it was brand new clothesline and pristine straight from the package. It was also said to be tied more like a Windsor knot. But now seeing this, it's more ridiculous than anything. This rope is like the poison powder letter. Both are a satire of an actual threat. Like an "armed robbery" using a pointed index finger and the thumb sticking up. What's that? The hammer and the barrel, stupid! Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I'm thinking they had a thought " a noose isn't really a weapon is it? Maybe we need to make it look like a....tactical noose? Like something a grand wizard would carry around for combat lynchings."
sadhatter Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,694

6th June 2019, 12:57 PM	#8
Wolrab Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,813	Originally Posted by William Parcher It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil. I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The original leaked reports said that it was brand new clothesline and pristine straight from the package. It was also said to be tied more like a Windsor knot. But now seeing this, it's more ridiculous than anything. This rope is like the poison powder letter. Both are a satire of an actual threat. Like an "armed robbery" using a pointed index finger and the thumb sticking up. What's that? The hammer and the barrel, stupid! The entire right side of the picture has dozens of hangman's knots!!!111!! kinda sorta
Wolrab Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,813	__________________ "Such reports are usually based on the sighting of something the sighters cannot explain and that they (or someone else on their behalf) explain as representing an interstellar spaceship-often by saying "But what else can it be?" as though thier own ignorance is a decisive factor." Isaac Asimov

6th June 2019, 02:00 PM	#9
Mike! Official Ponylandistanian National Treasure. Respect it! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ponylandistan! Where the bacon grows on trees! Can it get any better than that? I submit it can not! Posts: 46,580	Originally Posted by Wolrab The entire right side of the picture has dozens of hangman's knots!!!111!! kinda sorta They're cheaper by the dozen.
	__________________ "Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes... Because then it won't really matter, you’ll be a mile away and have his shoes."

6th June 2019, 07:30 AM	#2
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by Whip [ COLOR = "White" ]. .[ / COLOR ] “Jussie [Smollett] will NOT be returning to ‘Empire,'” series co-creator Lee Daniels said Tuesday. What exactly were you trying to say, Whip?

6th June 2019, 10:55 AM	#4
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by Whip that they were trying to do exactly what I stated they would try. that's all. seemed pretty self explanatory since I highlighted the sentence that confirms it. not sure what you're getting at. I don't think it's clear they were trying what you said they would try. It seems like the writers were thinking about it, and then the showrunner said it wasn't going to happen.

6th June 2019, 12:40 PM	#7
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by Whip 'breaking ideas' requires effort = trying. Okay, sure. I was thinking of something more along the lines of a formal strategy by the producers. "We're going to try to keep him on, but if there's too much backlash, we'll go with plan B." Very different from, "yeah the writers have been kicking around some ideas, but the truth is it's never gonna happen."

7th June 2019, 01:08 PM	#10
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Allegedly the person who made the 911 call worked for Smollett. Previously I had been thinking that maybe Condo Guy ruined the entire thing by calling the cops instead of just commiserating with Smollett. But there's an alternate hypothesis, that Smollett wanted Condo Guy to make the 911 call so that Smollett himself wouldn't be on the hook for filing a false police report. "I never called 911! My ~~assistant~~ friend? Yeah, I guess he must have misunderstood what was going on."

11th June 2019, 12:35 AM	#11
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Came across this write-up: The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props. Quote: • The police note that Smollett had changed his story about what allegedly happened on the night of January 29. According to notes dated February 14, Smollett described one alleged attacker as “pale” and wearing a mask. Previously, he told police that the attacker was white. When Smollett was shown photos of two brothers police had picked up for the attack, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, Smollett denied that they were the attackers because they were “black as sin.” Quote: • The brothers testified that they left the clothes they wore during the alleged attack in Nigeria, their native country, which they both traveled to soon after the incident. They also said they filled an empty bottle of El Yucateco hot sauce with bleach and used clothesline for rope during the alleged attack. Smollett had initially told investigators that the attackers tied a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him while shouting racist and homophobic slurs and championing “MAGA country.” Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?)
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

11th June 2019, 09:21 AM	#12
Nakani Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Acho Dene Koe Posts: 1,014	Originally Posted by William Parcher It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil. I had imagined a much shorter length with an actual hangman's knot. The uptown lyncher prowls manicured neighborhoods with higher branches.

11th June 2019, 10:12 AM	#13
sadhatter Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,694	Originally Posted by Puppycow Came across this write-up: The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props. Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?) Black as sin.... Who other than my racist uncle ( everyone's racist uncle) uses that phrase? We have a racist talking guy who falsely charges 2 black guys, and gives right wing racists a great new talking point. With how things went in Boston, maybe he can get a job as the head of a white pride March.
sadhatter Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,694

11th June 2019, 10:49 AM	#14
IsThisTheLife Muse Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 772	Originally Posted by William Parcher It's hard to believe that they used the entire 50 foot roll of clothesline with most of it still in the factory coil. ... It isn't, really. These guys aren't exactly [criminal] jeeniuses.
IsThisTheLife Muse Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 772	__________________ "There is no sin except stupidity."

11th June 2019, 11:08 AM	#15
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474	Quote: When Smollett was shown photos of two brothers police had picked up for the attack, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, Smollett denied that they were the attackers because they were “black as sin.” damn that's funny after the gma pony show.
Whip Graduate Poster Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,474

11th June 2019, 11:11 AM	#16
trustbutverify Philosopher Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9,692	Originally Posted by Puppycow Came across this write-up: The Most Shocking Revelations From the Unsealed Jussie Smollett Court Docs Among other things, the hot sauce bottle was apparently one of the props. Nothing particularly "shocking" though. It does confirm that he originally said that at least one of the attackers was white, and also that he didn't believe that the Osundairo brothers could be the attackers because of the color of their skin. (Surely there's nobody left who still believes him, right?) I must be missing something... How is Smollett not in prison?
	__________________ "To me, Hitler is the greatest man who ever lived. He truly is without fault, so simple and at the same time possessed of masculine strength" -Leni Riefenstahl Wollen owns the stage

11th June 2019, 01:26 PM	#17
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by trustbutverify I must be missing something... How is Smollett not in prison? The prosecutor waived prosecution in lieu of community service and time served (I think). This raises obvious questions about what he was serving for, if no crime had been proven. I guess the community service is he worked a book promotion event for an ally?

11th June 2019, 02:12 PM	#18
William Parcher Show me the monkey! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 26,017	Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell.
	__________________ Bigfoot believers and Bigfoot skeptics are both plumb crazy. Each spends more than one minute per year thinking about Bigfoot.

11th June 2019, 02:23 PM	#19
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by William Parcher Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell. Thanks for the correction.

11th June 2019, 07:16 PM	#20
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by theprestige The prosecutor waived prosecution in lieu of community service and time served (I think). This raises obvious questions about what he was serving for, if no crime had been proven. I guess the community service is he worked a book promotion event for an ally? I don't believe that there was any mandatory community service as part of the deal. The only thing he forfeited was part of his bail money, I believe. If it was, it was "community service" only in the loosest sense of the word. Not the kind of community service that some people get "sentenced" to and hence mandatory (like picking up garbage under supervision).
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

12th June 2019, 11:06 AM	#21
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by Puppycow I don't believe that there was any mandatory community service as part of the deal. The only thing he forfeited was part of his bail money, I believe. If it was, it was "community service" only in the loosest sense of the word. Not the kind of community service that some people get "sentenced" to and hence mandatory (like picking up garbage under supervision). Thanks, this matches up with my understanding, which is that Foxx basically hand-waved some sort of "well, if you were convicted we'd have to give you community service, but you're doing that socially conscious book signing event or whatever, so we'll just say that counts, or would have counted, or something, and call the matter resolved."

12th June 2019, 01:06 PM	#22
casebro Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 19,510	But aren't there TWO points of getting it unsealed: 1) Was he guilty? ( yes) 2)Was there some kind if interference/bribery/ chicanery that let him evade a trail? We haven't discussed that aspect. Where are the prosecution's phone records?
	__________________ Any sufficiently advanced idea is indistinguishable from idiocy to those who don't actually understanding the concept.

12th June 2019, 10:02 PM	#23
trustbutverify Philosopher Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9,692	Originally Posted by William Parcher Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell. Amazing.
	__________________ "To me, Hitler is the greatest man who ever lived. He truly is without fault, so simple and at the same time possessed of masculine strength" -Leni Riefenstahl Wollen owns the stage

13th June 2019, 02:47 AM	#24
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by casebro But aren't there TWO points of getting it unsealed: 1) Was he guilty? ( yes) 2)Was there some kind if interference/bribery/ chicanery that let him evade a trail? We haven't discussed that aspect. Where are the prosecution's phone records? As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election. Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

13th June 2019, 02:53 AM	#25
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by William Parcher Smollett served no time. He was never in a jail cell. Actually, what's your source for this? The BBC reported the following: Jussie Smollett arrested over false attack report (Date of publication 21 February 2019) Quote: Mr Smollett turned himself in early on Thursday and is in custody of Chicago police, spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. He faces felony charges for disorderly conduct and filing a false police report. The actor is being temporarily held at the Cook County Jail and has been separated from other prisoners, which is common of notable inmates, Chicago media report. Perhaps he was not being "held" in a jail cell? If memory serves, he was released later on the same day though.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

13th June 2019, 04:17 AM	#26
casebro Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 19,510	Originally Posted by Puppycow As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election. Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute. And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama?
	__________________ Any sufficiently advanced idea is indistinguishable from idiocy to those who don't actually understanding the concept.

13th June 2019, 04:28 AM	#27
casebro Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 19,510	Originally Posted by Puppycow As to the second question, yes, it seems outrageous. However, under the doctrine of prosecutorial discretion I don't see what can be done about it, save for voters to hold it against her at the next election. Unless there is evidence or probable cause to suspect bribery or some other crime on the part of the prosecutor. Poor judgment per se is not a crime. A prosecutor doesn't have to prosecute. And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody up the chain a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama?
	__________________ Any sufficiently advanced idea is indistinguishable from idiocy to those who don't actually understanding the concept.

13th June 2019, 06:01 AM	#28
William Parcher Show me the monkey! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 26,017	Originally Posted by Puppycow Actually, what's your source for this? The BBC reported the following: Jussie Smollett arrested over false attack report (Date of publication 21 February 2019) Perhaps he was not being "held" in a jail cell? If memory serves, he was released later on the same day though. The term "held" just means that he can't leave the building until procedures happen. He was processed, mugshot, fingerprints - then he posted bond and walked out. It didn't take long at all and the press waited outside for the whole thing. He was never inside a cell. Originally Posted by ABC 7 News CPD officials released a portion of its investigative file in the Jussie Smollett case to the ABC7 I-Team on Wednesday in response to a FOIA request. In the 61 pages of field reports, CPD detective chronicle their steps in the investigation and their contact with key players in the case, including Smollett. In the file, Chicago Police officials write that after Smollett turned himself in at the 1st District, Smollett's attorney asked if he could be released from custody if he promised to show up at bond court. After a CPD sergeant told his attorney that would not be possible, Smollett was searched, fingerprinted and photographed. He was placed in an unmarked police vehicle with tinted windows. The report states that "at no time while in the 001st District, was SMOLLETT handcuffed, placed in a cell or subjected to the media." When CPD detectives arrived at the Cook County Jail, Smollett was kept in the police vehicle until the jail "receiving area was empty and free from other prisoners." According to the report, Smollett asked that he could "be kept segregated and housed alone until his attendance in bond court" - a request that was honored. https://abc7news.com/whats-inside-th...-file/5220482/
	__________________ Bigfoot believers and Bigfoot skeptics are both plumb crazy. Each spends more than one minute per year thinking about Bigfoot.

13th June 2019, 08:34 AM	#29
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by casebro And if there was political influence involved? Wasn't somebody a former something for somebody? Hillary or Obama? I think you refer to Tina Tchen, former chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/5/...ena-hate-crime What actual relevance that has is unclear though. She is now in private practice.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

13th June 2019, 08:36 AM	#30
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by William Parcher The term "held" just means that he can't leave the building until procedures happen. He was processed, mugshot, fingerprints - then he posted bond and walked out. It didn't take long at all and the press waited outside for the whole thing. He was never inside a cell. Thanks for the clarification.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

13th June 2019, 08:53 AM	#31
theprestige Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Antimemetics Division Posts: 60,285	Originally Posted by Puppycow I think you refer to Tina Tchen, former chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/5/...ena-hate-crime What actual relevance that has is unclear though. She is now in private practice. Political connections are political connections. It seems like there was probably a Smollett-Harris-Obama-Foxx axis of influence that was brought to bear on this case. Smollett provides celebrity support for Harris's anti-lynching proposal. When his shenanigans in "MAGA country" start to cause blowback for Harris, an Obama political operative calls the prosecutor and the next thing you know it's all being swept under the rug.

13th June 2019, 04:02 PM	#32
casebro Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 19,510	Originally Posted by theprestige Political connections are political connections. It seems like there was probably a Smollett-Harris-Obama-Foxx axis of influence that was brought to bear on this case. Smollett provides celebrity support for Harris's anti-lynching proposal. When his shenanigans in "MAGA country" start to cause blowback for Harris, an Obama political operative calls the prosecutor and the next thing you know it's all being swept under the rug. Yup. Now we need Foxx's phone records.
	__________________ Any sufficiently advanced idea is indistinguishable from idiocy to those who don't actually understanding the concept.

13th June 2019, 04:03 PM	#33
casebro Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 19,510	If Smollett wasn't prosecuted, there is no double jeopardy involved ?
	__________________ Any sufficiently advanced idea is indistinguishable from idiocy to those who don't actually understanding the concept.

13th June 2019, 07:46 PM	#34
fromdownunder Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,721	Isn't sending prohibited substances through the mail, which is a Fed. charge, still potentially on the table? Norm
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14th June 2019, 12:29 AM	#35
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,256	Originally Posted by casebro If Smollett wasn't prosecuted, there is no double jeopardy involved ? Since it never went to trial (although he was indicted by a grand jury) my understanding is that he could still be prosecuted as long as it's still within the statute of limitation. Originally Posted by fromdownunder Isn't sending prohibited substances through the mail, which is a Fed. charge, still potentially on the table? Norm That too, conceivably, but we haven't really heard anything on that front. Maybe the feds aren't interested.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

14th June 2019, 04:49 PM	#36
LTC8K6 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Directly under a deadly chemtrail Posts: 21,423	The letter is the oddball thing here, imo. It seems to be the biggest crime committed during this whole kerfuffle, yet we seem to have radio silence on it. Typically using the mail that way is vigorously prosecuted. The stamps are cancelled, so it was mailed. But we only hear crickets...
	__________________ What a fool believes, no wise man has the power to reason away. What seems to be, is always better than nothing. 2 prints, same midtarsal crock..., I mean break? Last edited by LTC8K6; 14th June 2019 at 04:51 PM.