Hopefully, this news isn’t true.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that singer and Empire actor Jussie Smollett was attacked in an apparent hate crime.
Smollett told authorities he was attacked early January 29 by two men who were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs.” He said one attacker put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him. (CBS News)
Now, after much back and forth, two sources from Chicago police are telling reporters they believe that Jussie Smollett paid two men to attack him.
At a time when hate crimes are on the rise, it would be deplorable for anyone to fake an attack. People of color across America already have a difficult time getting justice when faced with racism, discrimination, and violence.
This story continues to unfold but I sincerely hope that it is not true.
Otherwise, Jussie Smollett has a lot of explaining to do and owes many people (especially the Black LGBTQ community) an apology.
Jussie Smollett’s lawyers have issued a statement:
Our Legaci with J.A.M. Aiwuyor 