Watch CBS News

'Empire' Actor Acquitted Of Domestic Violence Charge

CHICAGO (AP) -- An actor on the television show "Empire" has been acquitted of domestic battery in Chicago.

Morocco Omari took the stand during a two-day trial that ended with his acquittal Friday. Jurors deliberated for less than two hours. He says he "could never beat up a woman" and that his acquittal is like "an albatross lifted from my neck."

Omari was arrested in April 2017 after a 24-year-old woman who identified herself as Omari's girlfriend told police officers that he had pushed her to the ground during an argument, causing scratches on her neck and chest.

Omari described the aftermath of the allegations as "like a hurricane wiping out your house."

Omari played FBI Agent Tariq Cousins on the Fox TV show. The character was killed off last season.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.