Author: Lisa Respers France / Source: CNN
(CNN)After Jussie Smollett reported being attacked in Chicago, his colleagues, politicians and many observers on social media were quick to condemn the incident and express support for Smollett.
Two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation have told CNN that Chicago Police believe Smollett paid two men to orchestrate the alleged assault.
In a statement from his attorneys issued Saturday, Smollett denied playing a role in the attack.
“As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” the statement read. “He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”
The “Empire” star told authorities two men who were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs” assaulted him on January 29. He said one attacker put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.
“I don’t even know…
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