New reports speculate Jussie Smollett faked attack; Police say it’s false

The two persons of interest, who police believe are the same ones who were caught on a surveillance camera a few weeks ago, are from Nigeria and have both appeared on Empire. But Neighbours say the two men are brothers and have lived there for a long time.

During a raid on their apartment, police reportedly found bleach, a red hat, two laptops and other items, according to TMZ.

Police are also reportedly conducting an investigation into the possibility of the attack being staged. Rob Elgas of ABC7 Chicago shared the news that multiple eyewitnesses said that Jussie Smollett faked his own attack.

Elgas adds that his sources say its because he was allegedly being written out of hit TV series Empire which he currently stars in.

A source also allegedly told ABC7 that  Smollett failed to appear for an interview with detectives earlier on Thursday, 15th February, but has since spoken with police.

CBS Chicago’s Brad Edwards said a source told him that investigators “believe the non-cooperating 2 witnesses are co-conspirators in a potentially staged attack.” The source also says “indicators point to Smollett orchestrating the event.”

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has, however, contacted ABC7 to say they are continuing to treat Smollett as a victim and the investigation remains ongoing.

“Police are investigating whether the two individuals committed the attack – or whether the attack happened at all,” police tells ABC  News.

Smollett released a statement Thursday evening, saying: “Today Jussie did answer routine follow-up questions for Chicago Police Department and continues to cooperate.”

On the other hand, Fox news has come out to slam the reports that Smollett was going to be written off Empire.

“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him,” a joint statement from Fox Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, and the producers of Empire read.