Empire actor Jussie Smollett is feeling vindicated today after all 16 counts were dropped against him in his criminal case.  But officials in Chicago are condemning the decision by prosecutors to drop all charges against Smollett. Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says justice was not served. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the Empire actor used hate crime laws to advance his career and the whole case was a whitewash. Emanuel added he fears victims of hate crimes will be doubted after this case. Johnson said Smollett is hiding behind a brokered deal. Smollett was being prosecuted for allegedly lying to police about an alleged racial attack. All records in the case are being sealed.

We also discuss the latest on the Mueller investigation. Attorney General William Barr is working on a version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report for public release. A Justice Department official tells NBC News the process will take “weeks not months” to complete. Last week, Barr released a summary of the report and concluded that there was no evidence of collusion or conspiracy between Russia and members of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Lisa Crooms-Robinson, Professor of Law, Howard University School of Law

Justin Duckham, Political Analyst