Premium Content:

Empire star Jussie Smollett charged for filing false police report

Actor Jussie Smollett has been charged by Chicago police for filing a false report over an alleged attack last month.

- Advertisement -

The Empire star received a wave of community and celebrity support in January after he claimed to have been attacked, burned with chemicals and had a rope tied around his neck by two men shouting “This is MAGA country” – a reference to Donald Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.

Smollett’s assault was questioned by US media, who reported that his two attackers were known to the actor. Brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo both appeared as extras on Empire, and one works as Smollett’s personal trailer.

A spokesperson for the Chicago police said on Twitter that Smollett has been charged for “disorderly conduct / filing a false police report.”

“Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest.”

Earlier this week Smollett’s legal team denied accusations that the actor fabricated the assault, writing that he is “angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with.”

“He has now been further victimised by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”

Smollett’s lawyers are yet to release a statement on today’s events.

OIP Staff

Latest

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.

Billie Jean King calls for people to “listen” to the trans community over participation in sport

The tennis legend says there needs to be more empathy and listening.

Newsletter

Don't miss

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.

Billie Jean King calls for people to “listen” to the trans community over participation in sport

The tennis legend says there needs to be more empathy and listening.

Catherine Lezer announces her run for Lord Mayor of Perth

She's the first candidate announced for the upcoming election.

“Stop dithering” Peter Tatchell calls on UK government to tackle conversion therapy

Labour have failed to take action during their first year in government.

Funding cuts to HIV services across the globe have got experts sounding the alarm  

Experts heading to the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science warn global HIV gains at risk amid sudden funding cuts.  

US Preacher calls for government to bring in death penalty for homosexuality

Evangelical preacher Justin Zhong has been condemned by other religious bodies over his comments.