In a story that has seen many twists and turns since it first broke, the situation became far more series for Jussie Smollett as Chicago prosecutors have indicted the Empire actor over the alleged assault that took place on January 29.
The charge came down as police abandoned seeking another interview with the actor about the assault in question that began its life as a reported hate crime and has now turned into what has been seen as a hoax and staged event by law enforcement. Authorities are talking to Smollett’s lawyers about his arrest, as the department’s chief spokesman said Wednesday:
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
The incident in question was originally described as an assault that left the openly gay Smollett beaten, drenched in bleach and with a rope wrapped around his neck. Previously identified as the individuals in the photos of “persons of interest” in the case, the siblings Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo are now said to be “fully” cooperating with authorities. The siblings have worked as extras on Empire and have even been known to be personal trainers to the actor on various occasions. The duo was initially arrested after their movements were tracked and it became clear they were the two people captured on video as “persons of interest” in the case but things took a dramatic turn when law enforcement began to interview them. By the end of it, the two were let go and it was revealed, by the brothers, that they were paid by Smollett to stage the attack and that it was not the hate-filled attack that was previously reported.
Yesterday, Fox endorsed the actor with continued support, even calling him a “consummate professional” who was not being written off of the hit Fox drama. This was before Smollett became an official suspect later in the day and before he was indicted on charges. Since this news broke, Fox has not commented but now various outlets are saying that the network is mulling over suspending the actor from the show after the latest turn of events. His scenes this week were already dramatically cut but that was said to be a decision to allow him to deal with this matter without much interference from the show. At this point, it seems like the network is now trying to figure out the best way to distance itself from Smollett as the heat has definitely hit a fever pitch.
Smollett and his legal team have continued to deny that the attack was a hoax. As for what comes next, it looks like Smollett will appear in person on Thursday in a local bond court. If he’s found guilty of the charges, he could face as much as three years in prison for filing a fake police report.
