The Jussie Smollett case has been an emotional rollercoaster for anyone who’s been paying attention. From outrage at the attack
Here’s a quick update of what’s happened so far.
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“What this country needs is more unemployed politicians.” – #AngelaDavis #VOTE dammit. Please. I won’t give up if you don’t. ✊ #November6 #StayFocused
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Smollett claimed that he was attacked on Jan. 29th in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago. He said that two men beat him while shouting homophobic slurs and “this is MAGA country” in reference to Donald Trump’s slogan. He also alledged that they tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.
Most recently, reports have been coming out that the Empire actor may have staged the whole attack himself.
Holes in the story really started to show when brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo were taken into custody as people of interest for being in the vicinity of where the attack took place.
What was especially weird was that one of the brothers had actually worked on Empire with Smollett as an extra.
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Skin clearing up… edges growing back… @empirefox is back tonight for the third episode @ 8/7c. So it’s gonna be a good night. Gonna try and tweet with eastcoast but still on set. Def will with west. #Empire #GettinGrayAsFuxx #BoutToLookLikeBarackObamaAfterTwoTerms ♂️
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The brothers allegedly told the police that Smollett paid them to stage the attack and that they even rehearsed it beforehand according to reports from TMZ.
The Planned Attack
The brothers told law enforcement that they rode around with Smollett to find a location for the attack. They chose the spot outside of Smollett’s apartment because the actor thought that the surveillance camera in the area would have caught it all on film.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that both men claimed that Smollett directed them to make the attack physical but not to seriously hurt him.
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Thank you @tribeca and my brother/mentor/friend @emilwilbekin for a dope convo ahead of @empirefox season 5 premiere. Soon coming… this weds Sept 26. 8/7c #Empire #TribecaTVFestival #NativeSon Threads: @apuje Grooming: @johncotton3 & @shannonk.young
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The brothers went on to tell the police that on the night of the attack, things started to get sketchy. As they were “attacking” Smollett, a car drove by, which made them worry that they would be identified.
Regardless, they continued with the scene, screaming that they had seen Smollett on the Fox show and then calling him racial and homophobic slurs.
The men said that they did hit Smollett in the face but not enough to injure him so they weren’t sure how he got so many bruises
Reporting the Attack
After the alleged attack took place, Smollett and his manager called the police. Once they arrived, Smollett took the officers to the scene of the attack and told them that the camera should have caught the whole thing on tape.
In reality, the camera was actually pointed in the opposite direction and did not capture any of the attack.
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Back at it for a 2nd time. Prepping to Direct episode 506 of @empirefox. Favorite role I’ve played . Let’s go get it. #DirectorsLife #Grateful : @the.blairisms ✊
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Reaction
Once reports of s
“As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” the statement read. “He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”
“One of these purported suspects was Jussie’s personal trainer who he hired to ready him physically for a music video. It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie’s complicity.”
The statement went on to say that Smollett and his attorneys were waiting to be updated by the Chicago Police Department and would continue to discuss the matter with the police through official channels.
Read more: Who is Jussie Smollett’s Sister Jurnee Smollett-Bell?
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