Special Prosecutor Dan K. Webb expressed disappointment and disagreed with the ruling, maintaining his belief in Smollett’s guilt. However, Webb clarified that the court’s decision was unrelated to his role in the case, which began months after the plea deal was made by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. He noted that the Supreme Court's resolution stemmed from the agreement Foxx struck, where Smollett forfeited his $10,000 bond and completed 18 hours of community service.
Smollett’s attorney, Nenye Uche, called the decision a victory for due process, stating that the case was influenced by public opinion rather than evidence. He criticized the second prosecution as "vindictive persecution" and highlighted the challenges celebrities face in court due to their high-profile status.
The case dates back to January 2019, when Smollett reported being attacked by two men shouting racial and homophobic slurs. Investigations later revealed the attackers were brothers and acquaintances of Smollett, who alleged the actor had orchestrated the incident.
The ruling echoes a similar decision in Bill Cosby’s case, where a prior deal led to his conviction being overturned. While the Illinois Supreme Court did not address the merits of the evidence against Smollett, it reinforced the importance of honoring agreements in the justice system.