On Thursday, February 21st, ‘Empire’ actor, Jussie Smollett, was charged with disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. According to officials, Smollett paid 2 brothers to stage an attack against him because he was “dissatisfied with his salary” and wanted to “promote his career.” Police say that Smollett called the station at around midnight to turn himself in.

On January 29th Smollett claimed to be attacked by 2 people who poured bleach on him and threw a noose around his neck while yelling racist and homophobic slurs and shouting “This is a MAGA country.” Police identified 2 people of interest through security camera images and arrested Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who confessed that Smollett orchestrated the attack.

Police said that Smollett texted Abimbola, “Might need your help on the low. You around to meet up and talk face to face?” and told him he should get his brother to help. Smollett paid them $3,500 to participate in the staged attack and another $100 to buy props for it. The Osundairo brothers admitted that they agreed to Smollett’s plan for financial gain and are no longer suspects in the case. According to police, the brothers hit Smollett about twice, but the rest of his injuries were self inflicted.

Eddie Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent, said that Smollett faked the letter that was addressed to him a week prior to the incident. The letter contained racist and homophobic slurs, a drawing of a stick figure hanging from a tree, and a white powder that was recently identified as aspirin. When the letter didn’t get the reaction Smollett wanted, he decided to stage an attack against him by using 2 brothers—one being his personal trainer, and the other an extra on Empire. 

Johnson expressed that the situation offended and angered him. “I am 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? How can an individual who has been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in this city in the face by making these false claims?” He also stated that situations like this does not only affect the perpetrator. “Bogus police reports cause real harm. They do harm to every legitimate victim.” 

20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment released a public statement about the incident. “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”  

Smollett’s bail is currently set at $100,000, and he was released on a $10,000 bond. Smollett has been forced to surrender his passport and is currently under supervision until further notice. He may face charges for sending the fake letter, along with various fines. If Smollett is convicted, he could face up to 3 years in prison. He is expected to return to court on March 14th to enter his plea.