Chicago police are dropping ALL charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett, who was required to make an emergency appearance in court this morning. The actor, accused of 16 counts of disordering conduct for falsifying a police report claiming two men committed a race crime against him -- hurling racial and homophobic slurs at him and even tying a noose around his neck in Chicago late one night in January -- has had his record wiped clean.

His attorneys released this statement today: "Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him. Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgement.

Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result.

Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career."

The actor was accused of having staged the entire attack -- even hiring two brothers to commit the crime against him. We're awaiting more information about why the charges have been dropped. Stay tuned!