Prairie State Wire

Jeanne Ives commented on the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to overturn Jussie Smollett's conviction in a November 21 post on X, criticizing Kim Foxx by stating, "she's the one who failed the people and protected this fraudster."

"Kim Foxx should be serving time and paying the $130,000 in restitution after the court said Smollett's initial deal is good enough," said Jeanne M Ives, Founder. "She's the one who failed the people and protected this fraudster."

Ives shared a link to a Chicago Tribune article discussing the court's November 20 decision. The ruling indicated that the prosecutor’s office had an agreement with Smollett when it dismissed his case after he forfeited a $10,000 bond and completed community service. Following Foxx's recusal, special prosecutor Dan Webb was appointed by former Cook County Judge Michael Toomin. Webb subsequently filed new charges against Smollett: six counts of disorderly conduct. In 2021, Smollett was convicted of five out of six counts, receiving a sentence of 150 days in jail, 30 months’ probation, and $130,160 in restitution. With the recent Supreme Court decision, Smollett will no longer need to serve jail time or probation.

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives' Nov 21 post on X | X

Foxx told the Chicago Tribune she was not surprised by the ruling and expressed regret for not appealing Toomin’s appointment of a special prosecutor. Webb also issued a statement emphasizing that "today’s ruling has nothing to do with Mr. Smollett’s innocence." He said that the court did not find any error with the evidence presented at trial showing that Smollett orchestrated a fake hate crime.

The Illinois Supreme Court made its decision unanimously. According to the Associated Press, Justice Elizabeth Rochford wrote in her opinion that while public interest in the case was significant and many found its resolution unjust, it would be more unjust for the state not to honor agreements relied upon by individuals.

Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois State Representative who served six years representing House District 42. She ran for governor in 2018 and sought election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020.