Celebrity News March 01, 2019
Osundairo Brothers Apologize for Their Involvement in Jussie Smollett Case
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A week after Jussie Smollett was arrested and charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report, the two men involved in the scandal are apologizing for their actions.
A lawyer for Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo spoke on their behalf, telling CNN, “My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves.”
The statement comes a few days after Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss the case. After slamming Smollett last week, he said, “Let me tell, you, Robin, there's a lot more evidence that hasn't been presented yet, and does not support the version he gave. There's still a lot of physical evidence, video evidence, and testimony that just simply does not support his version of what happened.”
FULL @ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Chicago police Superintendent speaks with @RobinRoberts about the Jussie Smollett investigation. https://t.co/G4P92ohuFL pic.twitter.com/QnpgfJ4FQh
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Last week, prosecutors released new details about the brothers' relationship with Smollett before the attack.
Prosecutors Release Shocking Details in Jussie Smollett Case, Plus: Did He Tell Police He Has a Drug Problem?
View StoryDuring a news conference, prosecutor Risa Lanier detailed Smollett's alleged plan. Lanier revealed that Smollett was “close friends” with one of the men, Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo, who was “a source of designer drugs” for the “Empire” actor.
As part of Smollett's bail, he agreed to have no contact with the brothers. His next court date is March 14.
While some question Smollett's story, his “Empire” co-star Terrence Howard recently showed his support on Instagram. Along with a video of Jussie, Terrence said, “All your lil homies got you... We love the hell outta you ♥️.”
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Smollett's legal team recently came to his defense after his arrest, saying, "Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing."
"Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system. The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a mayoral election.”
