Jussie Smollet Allegedly Staged Hate Crime Attack Over Salary But Denies the Claim

“Empire” star Jussie Smollet has been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct that resulted to filing a false police report. The young actor turned himself in to Chicago Police Department Thursday morning. At the same moment Jussie’s mugshot was released to the public, CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson laid out the facts of the case.

“Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career,” Johnson also added, “This publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didn’t earn, and certainly didn’t deserve.”

For those that haven’t heard, the actor and singer told police that he was attacked on January 29th at 2 AM by two men wearing ski masks. He said the two men threw out racist and homophoic slurs while attacking him. They then poured a chemical solution on him, wrapped a noose around his neck, and said “This is MAGA country” before leaving him with his injuries.

According to police reports, Jussie’s account of the attack was not true. The evidence they received, along with the two suspects statements, aligns with Jussie staging this entire incident. CPD says that Jussie had paid those two men, brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo, $3,500 by check to stage the attack. Johnson said police have the check. CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar has reported Smollett also directed the brothers to buy the noose at a hardware store, a red hat, and masks at a store in Uptown, which was all caught on surveillance camera.

The Osundairo brothers also stated that Jussie was behind the racist letter sent to the show. When that letter did not get a “bigger reaction,” Jussie orchestrated the attack a week later with the two men. They also added that they didn’t use major physical force on Jussie, and Johnson said that the scratches on his face were self-inflicted. After making their statements, the brothers were released from custody.

“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? How 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?” Johnson said. “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?” Johnson also added, “My concern is that hate crimes will now publicly be met with a level of skepticism that previously didn’t happen.”

Jussie Smollett’s attorneys released the following statement after he was charged Wednesday night:

“Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.”

At his bond hearing, the 36-year old Empire star mostly stayed quiet other than to greet Judge John Lyke, who issued a $100,000 bail at the conclusion of the 10-minute hearing.

After posting bail, he walked out the gates of the Cook County Jail surrounded by law enforcement and members of his entourage. They all declined to comment.

After leaving jail, Jussie arrived to the set of Empire to begin a scheduled scene. Sources say the cast waited for him for about 30 minutes, and when he arrived with his family he was very emotional. The also added, that Jussie addressed everyone on set, saying …”I’m sorry I’ve put you all through this and not answered any calls. I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family. I swear to God, I did not do this.”

It’s very sad to think that this young star ruined his career for financial gain and fame. Many fans would still like to know why because this explanation isn’t making any sense. If these claims are true, then we hope that Mr. Smollet finds it in his heart to also apologize to the African American community, the LGBT, MAGA supporters, and the city of Chicago. Hate crime is a very sensitive matter and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. We’ll keep you updated as new information comes available, but for now y’all are officially in the know!