**
FOIA Request to City of Chicago Regarding Jussie Smollett Case Documents on May 7, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, Prairie State Wire has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Chicago. This request seeks access to several key documents related to the ongoing lawsuit, City of Chicago v. Jussie Smollett, No. 19-cv-0454, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The specific records requested include:
1. A copy of any and all settlement agreements exchanged but not yet executed in the aforementioned lawsuit.
2. A copy of any Answers to Interrogatories submitted by Jussie Smollett or any other Third-Party Defendant involved in the case.
3. Copies of documents produced by Jussie Smollett or any other Third-Party Defendant in response to any Request for Production of Documents served during the litigation process.
4. Copies of deposition transcripts for Jussie Smollett or any other Third-Party Defendant involved in this legal matter.
As a media organization dedicated to transparency and accountability, we emphasize that access to these public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. We believe that our role in disseminating information qualifies us for a fee waiver as media professionals.
This request is also supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
We await a response from the City of Chicago regarding this request and remain committed to informing the public about developments in this significant legal case.
Alerts Sign-up