In a matter of days, Jussie Smollett went from being championed to becoming one of the most despised figures in North America. Allegations that he staged his own attack have been backed up by "mounting evidence," as the police claim. Following his arrest, the actor reportedly told officers that he has a problem with drug's that hasn't been treated.
According to TMZ, Jussie Smollett made the claim to police about his substance abuse issue after he turned himself into authorities on a felony count of disorderly conduct. Although this doesn't play a factor in his case right now, it could be useful information down the line. Early reports claimed that Smollett bought ecstasy from one of the two brothers he allegedly called on to help him set up his attack. Smollett's admission to his drug problem could help reduce his sentence if he's convicted.
However, documents from his arrest indicate that he answered no to whether he has alcohol or mental health problems.
Smollett's lawyer issued a statement following the actor's release saying his arrest was "an organized law enforcement spectacle."
“The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a mayoral election,” the statement reads. “Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.”
