We've been through so many twists and turns regarding coverage of Jussie Smollett's attack that, at this point, we're just expecting the wildest headlines. Updates keep pouring in by the minute during the live hearing. Chicago Police are addressing the situation as we write this, releasing Jussie's mugshot to the public earlier this morning. In case you missed it, the Empire actor was arrested today under suspicion of filing a false police report. After weeks of speculation over whether or not the hate crime against him was actually real, the truth is finally coming out.
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Addressing the media, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that Smollett had originally concocted a plan to stage his own attack because he was "dissatisfied with his salary." That's when he hired the Osundairo brothers to do the job. "Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," says Johnson before revealing that a check payment was made by Smollett to the brothers.
According to CBS News, Ola and Abel Osundairo were paid $3,500 to play out the attack. Security footage released previously shows them purchasing red hats and ski masks before the incident.
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"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?" asked Johnson. "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?"
Eddie Johnson told reporters that he is both offended and angry by what Smollett staged.
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