Late last month, it was reported that Empire star Jussie Smollett was attacked while walking home to his Chicago apartment. After what appeared to be a brutal, racially motivated hate crime, the reaction among fans was one of shock and disgust. Today, many are experiencing those same feelings – but for a very different reason – following an equally shocking report. Police suspect that Smollett staged the attack , and this isn't just a run of the mill conspiracy theory originating on 4Chan. Real evidence is beginning to mount suggesting that the incident actually may have been some sort of bizarre PR stunt. Many questions remain about why Smollett would go to such bizarre extremes and, if he did, just how he pulled it off. This is a developing story, but here's a look at everything we know so far about this increasingly bizarre situation. UPDATE: Smollett has now been arrested for falsifying a police report. We've updated this slideshow to include the latest on what has become a disturbing and confounding situation… 1. From Victim Smollett told police that on January 29, he was attacked on a Chicago street by two white men wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. 2. To Suspect It was revealed this week that police believe Smollett “potentially staged the attack,” a source tells CBS 2 News in Chicago. 3. Closing In Police raided the home of two persons of interest in the case on Wednesday night. 4. Items of Interest Investigators seized several items linked to the allegedly staged attack, including “bleach, shoes, electronics, receipts.” 5. Mounting Evidence To the chagrin of fans, a police source confirmed Thursday night that “indicators point to Smollett orchestrating the event.” 6. The Accomplices The two men who allegedly helped Smollett stage the attack were apprehended at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Wednesday night. View Slideshow
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Jussie Smollett Arrested for Alleged Assault: What Got Us Here?
