This is beyond ridiculous, folks. A Cook County grand jury just returned with a 16-count indictment against Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor.

Okay, sure. Jussie Smollett ran the world on a wild goose chase for a little bit. Give him a month in jail, and let him be on his way. But that’s not what this jury thinks should happen.

From 1 Count, To 16…

How does this happen? Honestly. SIXTEEN felony counts against Jussie Smollett?? According to ABC 7 Chicago, Cook County State Attorney’s Office confirmed the indictment which was returned on Thursday, March 7.

The source mentions that Jussie Smollett was originally charged with only one felony count of disorderly conduct. And now, it’s 16 whole counts…felony counts for filing a false police report. ABC 7 reports as follows.

“The grand jury returned two separate sets of charges. The first set are related to what Smollett told officers about the alleged attack, including that the attackers called him racial and homophobic slurs, struck him with their hands, put a noose around his neck, and poured some sort of chemical substance on him. The second set of charges are related to the second interview Smollett had with police about the alleged attack later that day.”

According to the source, “a charge of felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report carries a possible sentence of probation to three years.” And they’re trying him with 16 of these. Unless they run concurrently, that’s possibly 48 years — if not mistaken.

Okay, If You Don’t Remember What Happened…

On January 29, Smollett claimed he was attacked in a Streeterville neighborhood. According to him, two men physically attacked him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs. He also claimed they were yelling “M.A.G.A.” rhetoric at him as well.

During the alleged confrontation, Jussie noted that the attackers threw a chemical liquid on him and looped a rope around his neck.

“Smollett had also reported a threatening letter sent to him on the ‘Empire’ set containing a white powder, a week before the alleged attack,” ABC 7 reports. “The letter is currently in the FBI crime lab for analysis, sources said, and experts believe Smollett could face federal charges for allegedly sending the letter.”

But still, is this really deserving of a 16-count felony? Sure, it was hella stupid of him to do. But there are people out here committing far more heinous crimes against humanity … other than “disorderly conduct” and attacking themselves.

Let us know your thoughts ILOSM fam. Do you think this is right? If you have any comments, feel free to share them via our Facebook page.