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UPDATED 2/17/19: Social media has blown up over revelations that ‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett may have “orchestrated” his own attack. The prevailing question that everyone is asking is, “Why would he do something like that?”
The answer may lie with the two Nigerian brothers who were initially identified as ‘suspects’ in the case.
After their release, Chicago Police said they had new evidence and that the brothers would not be charged.
The attorney for the brothers is quoted as saying, “My clients have a story to tell … when the time is right.”
Meantime, Smollett’s attorney has released a statement, denying that he may have been involved.
Received the official statement from #Smollett lawyer. In its entirety “As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with…(cont.)
— Rafer Weigel (@RaferWeigel) February 17, 2019
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UPDATED 7:52 2/16/19: According to CNN, “Chicago Police now believe Jussie Smollett orchestrated his assault by paying two men, according to new information provided by law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation.”
Sources told CNN that records show the two brothers purchased the rope found around Smollett’s neck at an Ace Hardware store in Chicago. The former suspects, brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo are acquaintances of Smollett and at least one of them has appeared on ‘Empire.’
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Original post: 2/16/19
Two Nigerian brothers arrested in connection with the alleged attack on ‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett were released and won’t be charged according to the Chicago Police.
Also see: Smollett Hires High-Powered Defense Attorney
TMZ reports that during questioning after the arrest this week of Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo, CPD learned new information. The brothers are said to be acquaintances of Smollett.
Police raided their home Wednesday and confiscated several items of potential evidence … including several bottles of bleach. The brothers had flown to Nigeria on day of the attack and were arrested upon their return to Chicago O’Hare.
Smollett has been accuse of making up allegations that he was the victim of a homophobic attack in Chicago two weeks ago. Included in the allegations was that he was doused with what he said smelled like bleach. Meantime, since the release of the the two suspects, Smollett has hire a defense attorney.
The investigation continues.
Here are the two Nigerian brothers Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo who are at the center of the LGBT incident that happened in Chicago involving Jussie Smollett pic.twitter.com/iXzvk5Fcbu
— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) February 15, 2019
(Source: TMZ, Daily Mail, CNN)
Abimbola Osundairo attack chicago empire homophobia Homophobic Attack Jussie Smollett Olabinjo Osundairo
