 Millet attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic and political language. When that didn't work, Millet paid $3,500 to stage this attack and drag Chicago's reputation through the mud in the process. And why? The stunt was orchestrated by Millet because he was dissatisfied with his salary. Though he concocted a story about being attacked. Now our city has problems. We know that. We have problems that have affected people from all walks of life. And we know that. But to put the national spotlight on Chicago for something that is both egregious and untrue is simply shameful. This announcement today recognizes that Empire actor Jesse Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career. I'm left hanging my head and asking why? Why would anyone, especially an African American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? I could someone look at the hatred and suffering associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to manipulate that symbol to further his own public profile. How can an individual who's been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in this city in the face by making these false claims? Though I'm offended by what's happened and I'm also angry. I love the city of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department. Wards and all. But this publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didn't earn and certainly didn't deserve.