The Jussie Smollett controversy continues. Following a highly publicized attack on the Empire actor last month, Chicago Police now have reason to believe that Smollett may have rehearsed the "orchestrated" scene.
Authorities believe the incident was completely staged for the cameras with Jussie contracting his old gym trainer and his brother to carry it out. According to TMZ, the two brothers, Abel and Ola Osundairo, told the police that a week before the attack, while riding around with Jussie, they scouted the perfect location outside the actors apartment. Smollett is said to have chosen the spot because of its camera placement and potential to record the attack playing out. The camera's happened to be turned the other direction, not catching the attack, so authorities are still trying to investigate these claims.
The brothers have informed authorities that on the night of the scene, they were nervous due to a car driving by and fear that they may be identified. They performed the "staged attack" as planned since Smollett reportedly wanted to make it a "physical thing," but their hits were weak and are unsure how Smollett suffered bruises.
Authorities are waiting to once again hear from Smollett, however his spokeswoman, Anne Kavagnagh has informed the public, “There are no plans for Jussie Smollett to meet with Chicago police today.
Any news reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. Smollett's attorneys will keep an active dialogue going with Chicago police on his behalf. We have no further comment today.”
The Empire actor's lawyers—Todd S. Pugh and Victor P. Henderson— have however released a statement vehemently denying the claims. "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," read the statement. "He has now been further victimized 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."
"At the present time, Jussie and his attorneys have no inclination to respond to ‘unnamed’ sources inside of the investigation, but will continue discussions through official channels," the statement continued.