After all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett were suddenly dropped earlier today, he spoke briefly before reporters. He claimed he has been “truthful and consistent on every single level since day one.” Smollett said this has been the worst time of his life, however, he is “a man of faith.” It was truly an Oscar-worthy performance, second only to his interview with CNN’s Robin (Oh, that’s beautiful Jussie) Roberts.

My colleagues have followed the story throughout the afternoon. Sister Toldjah reported the story when it broke earlier today here. Bonchie reported the details here and Jennifer Van Laar wrote about the joint press conference given by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago PD Superintendent Eddie Johnson here, both of whom were understandably angry, calling it a “whitewash of justice.”

According to Fox News, First Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Magats told reporters he still believed Smollett filed a false police report. He said prosecutors “stand behind the investigation and the facts. This was not an exoneration.”

Superintendent Johnson added, “At the end of the day it was Smollett who committed this hoax.”

Read his stomach-turning statement below if you dare.

Everybody, I just made a couple of notes. First of all I want to thank my family, my friends, the incredible people of Chicago, and the people in the country and the world who have prayed for me, who have supported me, who’ve shown me so much love. No one will ever know how much that has meant to me and I will forever be grateful.

I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I’ve been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of.

This has been an incredibly difficult time, honestly one of the worst of my entire life. But I am a man of faith and a man that has knowledge of my history and I would not bring my family, our lives or the movement through a fire like this. I just wouldn’t. So, I want to thank my legal counsel from the bottom of my heart and I would also like to thank the state of Illinois for attempting to do what’s right.

Now I’d like nothing more than to just get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistake, I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality, and betterment of marginalized people everywhere. So again, thank you for all the support. Thank you for faith and thank you to God. Bless you all. Thank you very much.