Chicago, Illinois – Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for not deleting her social media post supporting Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor convicted of orchestrating a fake hate crime in Chicago in 2019. Despite Smollett’s criminal conviction, Harris has not removed her post calling the incident an attempted “modern-day lynching.”
Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, expressed her support for Smollett on social media after he claimed to be a victim of a racially charged attack. However, as details emerged and it became apparent that Smollett had staged the attack, Harris faced backlash for her initial comments.
A retired Chicago Police Department chief of detectives, Eugene Roy, criticized Harris for her hasty judgment in supporting Smollett before all the facts were known. Harris’ campaign and White House office have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
During Smollett’s trial, evidence presented in court revealed that he had recruited two brothers to help him stage the fake hate crime. Phone records, surveillance footage, and messages between Smollett and the Osundairo brothers corroborated their testimony.
Following his conviction on multiple charges of disorderly conduct, Smollett was sentenced to jail time, probation, restitution, and a fine. Despite his conviction, Smollett has appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court, arguing that his trial violated his constitutional protections against double jeopardy.
Critics have raised concerns about public figures, like Harris and President Biden, making quick judgments on high-profile cases without waiting for all the facts to emerge. Roy emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial investigation process, free from political influence.
As the legal battle continues for Smollett, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigating the intersection of politics, public perception, and the justice system. The implications of hasty judgments on controversial issues can have lasting effects on individuals and institutions.