Here's What We Learned From Police About Jussie Smollett's Alleged Attack

This case has rattled so many.
What initially was reported as a brutal attack on actor Jussie Smollett, is now considered completely staged following a rigorous investigation by Chicago police.
Related: Cardi B Calls Out Jussie Over Alleged Attack
On Thursday, Chicago PD Superintendent, Eddie Johnson, started off a heated press conference sharing detective’s findings. Full details were then laid out by Commander Edward Wodnicki. A lot was said, so we’ll break it down for you:

Police consider the alleged attack a “hoax”

Chicago PD claims the actor “took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.” Detectives believe the alleged attack was completely staged, and a “bogus police report” was filed. The letter Smollett received before the alleged attack, which featured racial and homophobic language, was seemingly sent by the actor himself. Police are concerned hate crimes reported moving forward will be met with a certain level of skepticism that was not there before.

Jussie’s alleged motivation was his Empire salary

Cops say the actor wanted more money, which is why he allegedly staged the initial letter. When that didn’t garner enough attention, Smollett allegedly staged the attack.

Detectives interviewed over 100 people following the incident, and quickly found two persons of interest

Police found multiple private sector pod cameras that led them to the crime timeline, and they were able to track the persons of interest. Following the alleged incident, the two brothers apparently fled and got into a cab. Then, they abruptly stopped the vehicle and walked on foot. After that, they got into a ride-share vehicle. This move led officers to a complete timeline of action. Chicago PD then had two weeks where they conducted an investigation while the two persons of interest were in Nigeria.

He paid his attackers $3500

Cops acquired a check that the star allegedly wrote himself in the amount of $3500 to the brothers who attacked him. Phone records indicate that they spoke with each other before and after the attack.

Jussie’s injuries were most likely self-inflicted

The brothers were reportedly told to rough him up, but as they were wearing gloves, scratches and bruises on Jussie’s face were most likely self-inflicted. Cops also believe that Smollett wanted the attack on camera, but the one visible where the incident took place was facing the wrong direction.

The brothers are now considered cooperating witnesses

In the 47th hour of their 48 hour holding period, it became clear to police — based on evidence presented and a confession — that Jussie was the one who allegedly orchestrated the attack. The actor was at this point considered a defendant and charged with class 4 disorderly conduct in filing a false police report.
Jussie’s bail hearing is set for today at 1:30 p.m. local Chicago time.
Check back here for the latest developments!
[Image via Derrick Salters/WENN.]