Prosecutors have dropped all charges against US actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack.
The Empire star attended a court hearing in Chicago on Tuesday, where a judge sealed the case.
Mr Smollett, 36, pleaded not guilty this month to 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly lying to police.
The black and openly gay actor thanked his supporters outside court after the hearing.
He said: “I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one.
“I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of.”
He added: “This has been an incredibly difficult time, honestly one of the worst of my entire life.”
Mr Smollett vowed he would continue to “fight for the betterment of the lives of marginalised people everywhere”.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office said in a statement: “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”
