Attorneys have presented extensive evidence that suggest that Jussie Smollett, Empire movie star, orchestrated his own attack on January 29th.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Chicago prosecutors detailed text messages Smollett had sent in the days leading up to the fake attack. The documents state the actor had texted Abel Osundairo on January 25th, writing: “Might need your help on the low. You around to meet up and talk face-to-face?” The two men allegedly met outside Abel’s Chicago apartment inside Smollett’s car. Authorities say this is when they discussed staging the assault with the help of Abel’s brother, Ola.
The men had originally planned for Ola to pour gasoline on Smollett, place a rope around his neck, and scream “This is MAGA country” which is a reference to Donald Trump’s infamous “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Smollett allegedly gave the brothers $100 to pay for the items that would be used in the attack. CBS has shared surviellence footage of the Osundairo brothers purchasing a red hat and ski masks at a Chicago store.
Prosecutors say Smollett and the brothers met again on January 27th to find a location where cameras would capture the attack. The following day, Abel and Ola deposited a $3,500 check from Smollett that was backdated to January 23rd Variety reports the attack was initially planned to take place on January 28, but was postponed because Smollett’s flight from New York to Chicago was delayed.
The men agreed to carry out the fake attack at 2 a.m. on January 29th and Authorities say the staged assault lasted about 45 seconds, and was not captured on camera. Smollett left the rope around his neck about 45 minutes until law enforcement arrived. The actor told officers he had been physically attacked by two masked men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him. The incident was being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Smollett has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report and if convicted he could face up to three years in prison.
