Jussie Smollet could be removed from the production of Fox TV’s “Empire”, for filling a false police report. The openly gay actor had filled a police report saying that he was the subject of a racial and homophobic attack
The “Empire” star had told the Chicago Police Department that two white men had attacked him, beat him up, put arope around his neck and hurled racially and homophobic slurs on him.
Doubt was later cast on his account after US media reported that police believed he may have paid two Nigerian brothers to stage the attack.
Chicago PD eventually questioned two brothers, Abel and Ola Osundairo, who were in the vicinity of the event. The two men were arrested and questioned, but later released. Local Chicago media reported that the brothers told detectives that Smollett had paid them to stage the attack.
Fox had previously stood by Smollett, issuing two statements of support over the course of the investigation, and countering media reports that he was set to be fired from “Empire.”
A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox Television, which produces the series, declined to comment. Smollett’s status on the show may change amid a fluid legal situation.
Jussie Smollett is due to appear in court for a bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. CT on Thursday. Smollett is also scheduled to work Thursday on the Chicago set of “Empire.” According to a production source, as of Wednesday night there were no plans to change the show’s shooting schedule.