Source: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images/Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images / Getty Queen Latifah Continues To Support Jussie Smollett You can’t tell Queen Latifah s#!t about Jussie Smollett. Despite the fact that the Empire star was arrested and charged with filing a false police report story has a myriad of holes in it, Dana Owens is dedicated to her LBGT brother according to PageSix. “The guy I’ve seen has always been someone who cares about people, who cares about others, and who’s very kind and who’s always been cool and sweet. “And that’s just the guy I know. So until I can see some definitive proof — which I haven’t seen yet — then, you know, I gotta go with him until I see otherwise.” Until Jussie has his day in court there really isn’t much else to say about this case. Are you still #TeamJussie?
Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo have not received the same kind of national attention that as has been afforded to Jussie Smollett over the past month or so. However, if police allegations are accurate, these brothers from Nigeria also played a major role in duping the public just a few weeks ago. And they’re now here to say how very sorry they are for their actions. These siblings have confessed to helping Smollett stage an attack against himself on the streets of Chicago early on the morning of January 29. As you know doubt are aware of by now, the Empire actor told authorities after this incident that two white men assaulted him… tied a rope around his neck… doused him in bleach… and taunted him with racial and homophobic slurs. Smollett went on Good Morning America to share his story, insisting on numerous occasions that this hate crime really did take place. Alas, the Chicago Police Department does not agree. Partly based on interview with the Osundairos, who worked as extras on Empire and who also trained Smollett, they have determined that Smollett ha been lying. And they’ve charged him with falsifying a police report. This is a felony that could land Smollett behind bars for three years. It’s unknown at this time just what legal penalty Abimbola and Olabinjo could pay for pretending to be Smollett’s assailant, but their attorney spoke out on Friday morning and tried to garner some sympathy for her clients. This was her statement: “My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves.” According to the Chicago Police Department, Smollett paid the Osundairo brothers via check for a “phony attack” in order to take “advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.” However, new questions have been raised about this payment and also about Smollett’s motives. On the latter front, some believe Smollett was seeking to become a LGBTQ martyr/hero by placing himself in the middle of an assault. On the former front, the check Smollett cut to the siblings has actually been made public. As you can see below, it’s made out to Abimbola and it’s in the amount of $3,500 — but it was written six days before the attack and it listed “personal training” as the basis for the payment. Smollett, of course, could have simply been covering his tracks via this personal training note. But the check in and of itself doesn’t appear to be evidence. Moreover, the texts Smollett sent to one of these brothers also backs up his claim that they were simply helping him get in shape for a music video. This is all a confusing, disturbing mess, that’s about all we can say for certain right now. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said at a press conference last month that the assault “was staged, the brothers had on gloves… where they punched him a little, but as far as we can tell, the scratching and bruising that you saw on [Smollett’s] face was most likely self-inflicted.” Johnson went on to say Smollett owes everyone an apology for this farce. But the actor’s lawyers say that the police department is the one acting inappropriately here. “The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a Mayoral election,” his team said after Johnson’s address to the media, adding a few days ago: “Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.” View Slideshow: Jussie Smollett: This is How He Staged His Assault
Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN The nation is thoroughly disturbed as we all try to figure out if Jussie Smollett really got himself attacked last month. After Jussie was accused of staging the hate crime, and subsequently charged with felony disorderly conduct, many public figures have spoken out about the bizarre story—including, Senator Kamala Harris. Harris, who after finding out Smollett had been attacked hailed him as one of the “kindest” and “most gentle human beings” she knows, now says she is “disappointed.” “Like most of you, I’ve seen the reports about Jussie Smollett, and I’m sad, frustrated and disappointed. When anyone makes false claims to police, it not only diverts resources away from serious investigations but it makes it more difficult for other victims of crime to come forward,” she wrote in a statement, according to The Grio . Despite frustration with Smollett, Harris doesn’t want us to forget that hate crimes are on the rise , stating “ At the same time, we must speak the truth: hate crimes are on the rise in America. Just last year, the FBI released statistics that revealed a 17 percent increase in the number of hate crimes in America.Part of the tragedy of this situation is that it distracts from that truth, and has been seized by some who would like to dismiss and downplay the very real problems that we must address. We should not allow that. I will always condemn racism and homophobia. We must always confront hate directly, and we must always seek justice. That is what I will keep fighting for.” Click here to get caught up on the details surrounding Smollett’s case…it really is one of the most bizarre stories we’ve come across. Photo: WENN
Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty Terrence Howard Supports Jussie Smollett With all that’s going on with Jussie Smollett, it’s hard to know what to believe. But according to Terrence Howard , that’s not for the public to decide. The Empire star shared a video on Instagram of giggly Smollett playing with Howard’s adorable baby boy. The caption read, All your lil homies got you… We love the hell outta you View this post on Instagram All your lil homies got you… We love the hell outta you . A post shared by Terrence Dashon Howard (@theterrencehoward) on Feb 23, 2019 at 4:44pm PST Folks in the comment section weren’t feeling Terrence’s support of his co-star. One follower replied, Seriously? You support that lying felon? Even though all the facts are out? If it was a White person staging a Black person, would you still support him? Typical liberal hypocrites. But of course Howard didn’t hold back… “Sorry you feel that way but that’s the only Jussie I know. The Jussie I know could never even conceive of something so unconscious and ugly. His innocence or judgment is not for any of us to decide. Stay in your lane and my lane is empathy and love and compassion for someone I’ve called my son for five years. It’s God’s job to judge and it’s ours to love and hope, especially for those that we claim to have loved.” Luscious may still have Jamal Lyon’s back — but according to reports , Jussie has been suspended from Empire after police say he faked his attack to boost his salary. Chiiiile.
Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join! Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty UPDATE 8:00 PM: Jussie Smollett has now been charged with filing a false police report according to CBS Chicago . It’s a crime punishable up to 1.5 years in prison. He is expected in bond court tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Felony criminal charges have been approved by @CookCountySAO against Jussie Smollett for Disorderly Conduct / Filing a False Police Report. Detectives will make contact with his legal team to negotiate a reasonable surrender for his arrest. pic.twitter.com/LvBSYE2kVj — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 21, 2019 ORIGINAL 2/20/19 5:32 PM: Case Update: Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation by #ChicagoPolice for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony). Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury. pic.twitter.com/FhDcbBKsuU — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 20, 2019 Chicago Police have now named Jussie Smollett as a suspect in his own alleged attack. He could be facing charges related to filing a false police report. Right now, detectives are presenting evidence before a grand jury. This comes after surveillance video showed the brothers who allegedly helped Smollett stage the attack buying items TMZ said were used during the incident. Press play below and watch as Ola and Abel Osundairo check out at the counter, piling up the items, which include ski masks, gloves, bandanas, sunglasses and red hats. Related: Did Jussie Smollett Stage His Own Attack? EXCLUSIVE: I tracked down surveillance of the Osundairo's buying supplies before “attack” Sources say Jussie Smollet told brothers what to buy. Countless phone calls placed for this. Visited more stores than I wish to admit. @cbschicago https://t.co/GT6h2g6Y9a pic.twitter.com/ULr3UTDe9Q — Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 20, 2019 Related: Jussie Smollett’s ‘Empire’ Screen Time Reduced In Wake Of Attack Investigation At one point Abel pulls his hoodie over his head, attempting to hide his face, but he’d already been seen clearly on the video. According to CBS Chicago , the brothers bought these items the day before the “attack” on Smollett. Meanwhile, Jussie Smollett has kept quiet. This, while his future on ‘Empire’ may be hanging in the balance . [ione_media_gallery src=”https://92q.com” id=”4042211″ overlay=”true”]
Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty Chicago PD Classify Jussie Smollett As Suspect In False Police Report Investigation The chief communications officer from the Chicago Police department has confirmed today Jussie Smollett is now being investigated as a criminal. Anthony Guglielmi wrote in a tweet: “Case Update: Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation by # ChicagoPolice for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony). Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury.” Case Update: Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation by #ChicagoPolice for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony). Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury. pic.twitter.com/FhDcbBKsuU — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 20, 2019 Previously, Jussie filed a report saying he was the victim of a completely random racist and homophobic attack as he walked to a Subway in Chicago. As evidence unfolds, the details of the attack seem to make less and less sense to investigators. Today, before a Grand Jury, Chicagp Detectives presented evidence that the “attack” may have been staged. Two Nigerian brothers also thwart Jussie’s story during a police interview, claiming he paid them to attack him. Today, store video of the Nigerian brothers purchasing MAGA hats and ski masks has surfaced. The brothers reportedly told police Jussie asked them to stage the entire attack and this supports their story. CBS Chicago found the footage of them purchasing the item right before they allegedly attacked Jussie. (If the video below fails to play click here .) Details of this investigation are unfolding rapidly, but we will keep you updated.
Once again, Cardi B is going live on Instagram and saying what we're all thinking. This time, she feels hurt and betrayed over reports that Jussie Smollett staged his own assault . She also says that it's possible that the police are framing Jussie … which she can believe because she says that police once framed her . “I’m really disappointed in him,” Cardi says of Jussie Smollett on Instagram Live. “I feel like he f–ked up Black History Month, bro. Like, damn.” “I’m not gonna say, yet,” she notes. “Until he say it out his mouth that it was fake and the shit was staged,” “I don’t want to completely blame him,” Cardi adds. She explains that her reluctance is “because somebody I was talking to they said police in Chicago are racists.” The Chicago PD is infamous, even among other metropolitan police departmants. (It took 13 months for the police to release dash cam video that showed Laquan McDonald walking away from police, proving that his death was a murder) “So,” Cardi suggests. “They might probably try to frame him and make him look like he’s a liar.” “But if he’s not,” Cardi continues. “Then bro you f–ked up, for real.” “Like, why would you do that?” she asks. A staged hate crime, especially one so famous, will be used as fodder to cast doubt on future real hate crime reports. “You got Donald Trump immunity to f–king laugh,” Cardi accuses. Cardi laments: “You make motherf–kers look bad.” “You know why I want to give him the benefit of the doubt?” Cardi rhetorically asks her followers. “I remember about 2 years ago … my cousin got into an argument with this boy, this guy, like road rage,” she says. “And my cousin got out of the car,” she narrates. “And I got out of the car.” “And you know I'm always throwing s–t,” Cardi notes. “So I threw the guy a bottle of water.” “And the guy,” she says. “He doesn't really want to fight my cousin, he wants to really fight me.” “So, the police came, and they put me in like, a headlock,” Cardi accuses. “I got on Instagram,” she notes. “And said how the police got me in a headlock.” “And since I went on Instagram, I had 12 come into my home, calling my phone, leaving me letters saying that I have to speak to them,” she describes. Various police departments have been accused of using intimidation tactics, even agaist celebrities, in order to cover for wrongdoings. “And then, when I didn't speak to them, I went to my grandmother's house,” Cardi claims. Cardi says that police were “trying to harass my cousin and everybody to talk to them.” “And since I never gave a statement to the police,” she says. “They put out a statement saying that I did it to promote my album” “So,” Cardi explains. “I don't wanna call Jussie Smollett a complete liar.” “But they do claim that they have evidence from both the brothers [to whom they spoke],” she notes. “I don't know,” Cardi admits. “I want to see what else.” Don't we all. “Because if he did that … he really f–ked up, bro,” Cardi says. “This February, you have so many people standing for you.” “I mean, why would you do that, bro?” she asks. Maybe the weirdest thing about 2019 is how deeply relatable Cardi B's viral rants, whether they're about Jussie or politics, have been. Like Cardi, we are incredibly disappointed at reports that Jussie staged his own attack. As she says, this could be used against the black acommunity and the LGBTQ+ community, and is political fodder for Trump. That said, like Cardi, we have heard troubling things about the Chicago Police Department. We would all like to have a clearer picture of the evidence before rendering our judgment.
Source: Stephen Green / Getty The ‘Empire’ Actor Recalls A Traumatic Night J ussie Smollett is finally speaking up after reports of his brutal attack by racist, homophobic MAGA must. Smollett sat down with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America for his first interview detailing his attack last month. He said he was in the middle of picking up some food from Subway in Chicago and was on the phone with his manager when someone called him a racist and homophobic slur. Jussie said a guy in a mask then punched him screaming “This MAGA country ni**er,” and Jussie punched him back, which resulted in a short scuffle outside. He said a second unknown guy jumped in, kicking Jussie in his back. In the interview with Robin, Jussie also addressed the doubters who might’ve thought he was lying about the whole incident: “I have to acknowledge the lies, and the hate. And it feels like if I had said it was a Muslim, or a Mexican, or someone black, I feel like the doubters would have supported me much more. A lot more. And that says a lot about the place that we are in our country right now… It’s not necessarily that you don’t believe that this is the truth, you don’t even want to see the truth. Smollett, who portrays the openly gay musician Jamal on Empire , said he suffered injuries to his clavicle bone and ribs during the attack. However, some still questioned his story: “For me, the main thing was the idea that I somehow switched up my story, you know? And that somehow maybe I added a little extra trinket, you know, of the MAGA thing,” Smollett said. “I didn’t need to add anything like that. They called me a f—-, they called me a n—-. There’s no which way you cut it. I don’t need some MAGA hat as the cherry on top of some racist sundae.” Jussie also addressed rumors that he was in the middle of a late night love visit when he got attacked. “I’ve heard that it was a date gone bad, which I also resent that narrative,” he said. “I’m not gonna go out and get a tuna sandwich and a salad to meet somebody. That’s ridiculous. And it’s offensive.” Jussie was actually hanging with his friend and creative director Frank Gatson in an apartment, and they got hungry, which prompted the Subway visit. Smollett said the only reports he heard that were inaccurate were the ones claiming the attackers were wearing MAGA hats, which they weren’t. Smollett also explained why he was initially reluctant to hand over his phone to the police: “They wanted me to give my phone to the tech for three to four hours. I’m sorry but — I’m not gonna do that. Because I have private pictures and videos and numbers: my partner’s number, my family’s number, my castmate’s number, my friends’ numbers, my private emails, my private songs, my private voice memos.” Jussie didn’t even want to call the police at first, but Gatson did it on his behalf. When the cops arrived, they said they found Smollett in his apartment with stained clothing and a “white rope draped around” his neck, according to the report. “I was looking at myself, just like checking myself out. I saw the bruise on my neck, you know, like the little — the rope burn around my neck,” he said. “So when the police came I kept the clothes on, I kept the rope on me. … I mean, it wasn’t, like, wrapped around. But, yeah, it was around because I wanted them to see.” Jussie said he believes the photos released of the two possible suspects are accurate. He’s hopeful that the police will track the culprits down, and he hopes his story will inspire other marginalized groups: “I think people need to hear the truth,” Jussie said. “Cause everybody has their own idea. Some are healing and some are hurtful, but I just want young people, young members of the LGBTQ community — young, black children — to know how strong that they are.” You can watch a clip of Jussie’s words below, then hit the next pages for more videos. “I want young people, young members of the LGTBQ community, young black children to know how strong they are.” @JussieSmollett thinks people need to hear “the truth” after his attack. https://t.co/b5efiP0JCG pic.twitter.com/YGVIDMipgC — Good Morning America (@GMA) February 14, 2019
Jussie Smollett took to the stage on Saturday night for the first time since he was savagely assaulted just days before . And he had something to say before launching into his set. “I am not fully healed yet, but I’m going to, and I’m gonna stand strong with ya’ll,” the actor/singer said during a concert at the Troubadour club on the Sunset Strip. Referencing the heinous attack, Smollett added: “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I couldn’t let those motherf-ckers win. So I will always stand for love. “I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love and I hope that you all stand with me.” Smollett was taken by surprise by two assailants around 2 a.m. last Tuesday on his way back from Subway. These attackers tied a rope around his neck and poured bleach all over him, committing an obvious hate crime against someone who is African-American and openly gay. Speaking to the audience last night, Smollett actually clarified a few details around the incident. He said that he was driven to see a doctor but was not hospitalized… suffered bruises but did not break any ribs…and was cleared by his physicians to perform this weekend. “And above all, I fought the f-ck back,” he said, drawing loud cheers. “I’m the gay Tupac.” Folks all over Hollywood have sent Smollett their best wishes, while President Donald Trump did not address the alleged fact that the suspects screamed to Smollett that he’s in “MAGA country.” But the Commander-in-Chief did say the following about the attack on the Empire star: “That I can tell you is horrible. I’ve seen it. Last night. It’s horrible. Doesn’t get worse.” View Slideshow: Jussie Smollett Attacked: Everything We Know So Far Before Smollett began his set yesterday, his siblings Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Jazz Smollett, Jake Smollett, Jocqui Smollett and the eldest, Joel Smollett Jr., took the stage. Said Joel to the crowd: “Jussie is a true artist, that’s how he breathes. “But above all else, above all else, he is the epitome of love. “So on behalf of the Smollett family, we are so proud of our brother and we are here tonight with all of you to give him confidence, the highest praise and unyielding support as he shares his music, his soul and his love to make this world a better place and not to concede to hate.” Jussie then came out and hugged his relatives. The day before Smollett broke his silence about the hate crime . He said via statement: My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process. Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me. View Slideshow: Jussie Smollett Receives Outpouring of Love After Hate Crime Assault
Source: FOX / Getty Jussie Smollett was the victim of a possible hate crime in the early morning hours of Tuesday (January 29). According to TMZ’s report above, the actor arrived in Chicago from New York late Monday, and at around 2 AM he was hungry and went to a Subway. Two men both white and wearing ski masks viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back, but they beat him badly and fractured a rib. The attack was so violent that Smollett had to be admitted and treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Since the news broke, he’s received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, including Kerry Washington, John Legend, Vivica A. Fox and more! See the tweets below: DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett. — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019 Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice. — John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019 I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW! pic.twitter.com/p4GqfNW3An — Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) January 29, 2019 big love to my bro @JussieSmollett — luke james (@whoisLukejames) January 29, 2019 Sending love and healing prayers to my brother @JussieSmollett . Keep living and being you. #HateCrimes pic.twitter.com/218T1EG5fb — Loni Love (@LoniLove) January 29, 2019 . @JussieSmollett is one of the fiercest people I know. This hatred won’t stop his championing for a better world. If anything, it will probably motivate him more. It has me. — Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) January 29, 2019 Sending love to my brother @JussieSmollett . These trash ass individuals will not go unpunished. pic.twitter.com/IK0kId3tcZ — Amanda Seales (@amandaseales) January 29, 2019 This is heartbreaking and terrifying…please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/YTJ6bwLDkZ — Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2019 Sending my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett . This is unacceptable and they will be brought to justice. — Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) January 29, 2019 My God. Just heard that Jussie Smollet was brutally assaulted in a racist, homophobic hate crime. This is awful. https://t.co/rSw9G5zIHH — Shaun King (@shaunking) January 29, 2019
