Chicago Police Debunk Reports That Jussie Smollett Staged His Attack to Secure His ‘Empire’ Role

Thursday night, multiple rumors began swirling about Empire star Jussie Smollett, who was attacked in an alleged hate crime two weeks ago. In a report that has since been debunked by both Fox and the police, Chicago outlet ABC7 claimed that Smollett staged the attack to avoid being written off Empire. According to Page Six, the network has vehemently denied the “ridiculous rumors,” saying that any claim that Smollett “has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous.”

After reports surfaced that Smollett staged the attack to secure his role on the Fox drama, Empire co-creator Danny Strong and the show’s writers came to his defense. “There is 0% truth that Jussie Smollett was going to be written off of Empire. This rumor is totally false,” tweeted Strong. “He is the third lead and one of the most beloved characters on the show.” The official writers’ account echoed that sentiment, saying, “The writers of Empire have never planned or even discussed writing Jussie Smollett off of the show.”

Anthony Guglielmi, Chief Communications Officer for the Chicago Police, also debunked the rumors on Twitter. “Media reports anout [sic] the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives,” he wrote. “Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted ABC7 Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate.”

According to Page Six, Chicago police have questioned two Nigerian brothers who are reported to be “persons of interest” in the attack, and on Thursday, police raided their home. CBS News reported this morning that police removed bleach, a black face mask, an Empire script, a red hat, and other items from the home. The brothers’ attorney, Gloria Schmidt, told CBS News that her clients worked with Smollett on Empire as extras, but that they did not attack the actor. “It’s an awful thing that happened to Jussie, but it’s not my guys,” said Schmidt.

ABC’s Nightline reported Thursday that the brothers are cooperating with authorities; Schmidt later told the show that despite being “not guilty,” her clients are “horrified by what happened” to Smollett. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nightline also reported that the Empire star spoke to police again Thursday, and Pamela Sharp, a representative for Smollett, told Page Six that he will continue to do so as needed. Said Sharp, “He did answer routine follow-up questions from the police today and continues to be cooperative.”

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