Celebrity News February 15, 2019
New Questions Emerge in the Jussie Smollett Investigation
UPDATE: There is new evidence surrounding Jussie Smollett's alleged attack. The Chicago Police Department said in a statement Friday night, "Due to new evidence as a result of today's interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the 'Empire' case have now been released without charges and detectives have additional investigative work to complete."
Since his TV interview with “Good Morning America,” new developments have emerged about Jussie Smollett's alleged attack in Chicago.
Two men have been arrested, but not charged. The Chicago Police Department Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi told "Extra" Friday morning, “Detectives have probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime and we are working to corroborate the allegations and investigative timeline as our investigation continues.”
Guglielmi added, “Interrogations will resume today with the two individuals and their attorney. While we haven't found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is no evidence to say that this is a hoax. The alleged victim is being cooperative at this time and continues to be treated as a victim, not a suspect.”
In response to reports that the attack was staged by Smollett and the two men, Anthony tweeted on Thursday, “Media reports about the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate.”
Jussie Smollett Goes Into Detail About His Attack: 'I Am Forever Changed'
View StoryWhile the police have not released names, CBS Chicago reported that the individuals who are being questioned are two brothers who worked on “Empire” with Smollett.
The men have been in custody since Wednesday night, the same day that the police raided their home. Their attorney, Glorida Schmidt, told CBS, “When they first learned about what happened to him they were horrified. This is someone they know. This is someone they've worked with, so they don't want to see somebody go through that.”