- Apr 15, 2004
- 44,382
- 74,110
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
CHICAGO — Attorneys for Empire actor Jussie Smollett say there are no plans for him to meet with Chicago detectives Monday for a follow-up interview about his reported assault.
Anne Kavanagh is a spokeswoman for Smollett’s lawyers. She says in an emailed statement that his lawyers “will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf.”
Smollett reported last month that he was physically attacked by two men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs. He said they also yelled he was in “MAGA Country,” an apparent reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.
Police said Saturday that the investigation had “shifted” after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges. Police say they’ve requested a follow-up interview with Smollett.
Police detained two brothers, identified as Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo last week, who were recognized from surveillance footage taken in the area of the alleged assault.
One of the brothers had appeared as an extra on Empire and the other was Smollett’s personal trainer. According to a local CBS affiliate, the brothers told detectives they rehearsed the attack with Smollett days prior to it happening. The actor allegedly paid them $3,500.
Detectives released the brothers last week without charges citing “new evidence” that had emerged while they were being questioned.
Smollett’s lawyers say the actor feels “victimized” by reports that he played a role in the assault.
“As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with police, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” his lawyers said. “He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack.”
Twentieth Century Fox Television, which broadcasts Empire, backed the actor, insisting he is a “core character” and dismissing claims he was to be written off, which at one point was cited in reports as possible motivation for Smollett to stage his own attack.
He plays that Strong Buck role perfectly .
I really want to know how far he is going to go with this, "Everything is toxic" World Tour
Damn, she chews like a horse.
@dcallamerican It's ironic that a cat who's shirtless at every given opportunity resulting in the emasculation of everyone in his presence, is crying about toxic masculinity.
No Plan for Empire Actor Jussie Smollett To Do Follow-Up Police Interview Amid Doubts Surrounding His Reported Assault
Smollett's lawyers say the actor feels 'victimized' by reports that he played a role in the assault
In this Jan. 10, 2016 file photo, actor and singer Jussie Smollett arrives at the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP file photo
https://nationalpost.com/news/world/no-plan-for-smollett-to-do-follow-up-police-interview-monday
Scottie Beam
He's REALLY doubling down!
it saddens me how far that broad fell off...i think her fat friends plotted on her to drag her down wit em.