Chicago City Wire

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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, we have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Chicago. Our request seeks access to specific documents related to the 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 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 proceedings.

4. Copies of deposition transcripts for Jussie Smollett or any other Third-Party Defendant involved in this legal matter.

Access to these public records is essential for us as members of the media, as it enables us to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to our audience. We have also requested a fee waiver given our role in disseminating information and our affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to 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 will continue our efforts to inform the public about developments in this significant legal case.