Jamal Lyons whose real name is Jussie Smollett was arrested after what he claimed to be an assault was discovered to be a stage managed attack. Smollett, who is an openly black gay, acts in the hip-hop musical drama, ‘Empire’.
Jussie is said to have paid the two Nigerian brothers who work a extras in Empire $3,500 personal check and gave them $100 to buy the rope, ski masks, gloves and red MAGA-style baseball caps to stage a racist and homophobic attack on him and pose as supporters of President Donald Trump because he was unhappy with his pay on Empire.
Smollett was arrested for lying to the police about the suppose attack. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says; ”This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with this salary. He concocted a story about being attacked. We gave him the benefit of the doubt.
A judge set bail at $100,000 and ordered Smollett to surrender his passport. The actor, who turned himself in early on Thursday, was released from jail after paying 10 percent of the bail amount as stipulated by the judge.
20th Century Fox Television, which airs Empire said that Smollett continues to be a consummate professional on set.; ”We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options. It also said it understands the seriousness of the matter and we respect the legal process.