CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Jussie Smollett has lost a round in federal court, where he was trying to sue the city of Chicago.
The former "Empire" co-star had filed a suit against the city of Chicago, claiming malicious prosecution.
But a federal judge has dismissed that lawsuit, saying Smollett can't sue Chicago unless the criminal case against him is resolved, with Smollett coming out the winner.
Smollett was charged with disorderly conduct in early 2019 after he allegedly staged a hate-crime attack on himself in the Streeterville neighborhood. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office controversially dropped the charges, but two months ago a special prosecutor re-filed charges against Smollett.
Smollett has pleaded not guilty.
The city is suing Smollett for $130,000 — the sum it says it wasted on investigating Smollett's false claims.
A spokesperson for the Chicago Law Department says, "We are pleased with the judge's decision to dismiss Mr. Smollett's counterclaims, which had no merit. We will continue with ongoing efforts to recover our costs."





