On January, 29, 2019 it was reported that Empire star, and openly gay actor Jussie
Smollett had been brutally attacked in what was initially believed to be a hate crime. (Source: CNN)
The attack consisted of two people yelling “homophobic slurs”, and pouring “an
unknown chemical substance” on Smollett. It was also reported that a noose was also put around Smollett’s neck. (Source: CNN)
On February 15, 2019 it was reported that police had met with 2 Nigerian men at an airport. The two men were brought in for police questioning. CNN also reported that the two men had apparently worked on the set of Empire previously. (Source:CNN)
On the same day it was reported that the police had let the two men go without any charges. On February the 18th police said the two men were no longer suspects. (Source: CNN)
Come February,16, 2019 the case took a bizarre turn. Sources leaked to CNN that law enforcement believed that Smollett had actually hired the two men to stage the attack. (Source: CNN)
In response to the accusation Smollett’s attorney’s said that Smollett was
“angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with.....Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.” (Source: Newsweek)
On February 20, 2019 Chicago Police officially charged Jussie Smollett with “disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report.” Smollett’s attorney’s once again responded to the charge saying
“We intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense”. (Source: CNN)
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