Chicago police say “Empire” co-star Jussie Smollett paid two men $3,500 to stage an attack on himself last month. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson accused Smollett of taking “advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career” Thursday morning during a press conference about the incident.
The “Empire” star surrendered to authorities early Thursday morning on suspicion of filing a false report about the January 29 incident. A 1:30 p.m. bail hearing is scheduled.
“Bogus police reports cause real harm,” Johnson said. “I am offended by what’s happened and I’m also angry. They do harm to every legitimate victim.”
