Jussie Smollett charged with filing a false police report after claiming he was a victim of a racist and homophobic attack
The 'Empire' star was hospitalised after claiming two white men tied a noose around his neck
By Steve Brown
Update: A Chicago Police Department spokesperson confirmed on Thursday morning (21 February) that Jussie Smollett has been arrested and is in police custody.
Jussie Smollett has been charged for filing a false police report after claiming he was assaulted in a racist and homophobic attack.
The Empire star, who was hospitalised following the attack in attack in Chicago on January 29, claims two white men tied a rope around his neck, poured a corrosive substance over him and made reference to President Donald Trump’s 2016 election slogan ‘Make America Great Again’.
Earlier this week, Smollett’s lawyers denied he had any involvement in the alleged racist and homophobic attack but now, Chicago Police Department have revealed the Empire star has been charged with filing a false police report.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer at Chicago Police Department, tweeted on Wednesday (February 20): “Felony criminal charges have been approved by @CookCountySAO against Jussie Smollett for Disorderly Conduct / Filing a False Police Report.
“Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest.”
Felony criminal charges have been approved by @CookCountySAO against Jussie Smollett for Disorderly Conduct / Filing a False Police Report. Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest. pic.twitter.com/LvBSYE2kVj
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 21, 2019
Following the charge, the hit Fox series is reportedly looking to suspend the actor from Empire.
“Why would anyone — especially an African-American man — use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?” – Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Jussie Smollett https://t.co/7iwGkj3BIz pic.twitter.com/vlvGxTGWd4
— CNN (@CNN) February 21, 2019
JUST IN: Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson: Jussie Smollett “paid $3,500 to stage this attack…The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary.” https://t.co/5AiMcfe6iH pic.twitter.com/0za7CEbVtv
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019