Jussie Smollett paid Nigerian brothers to stage his own attack, sources say

by Staff writers





Sources to Chicago local media has revealed how Jussie Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers to stage an attack against him.


CBS Chicago writes that Smollet was an active participant in his own attack, according to the sources.


He personally directed the boys to buy the items used in the alleged assault and actually rehearsed it with them.


Sources say at least one of the brothers bought the rope used in the incident at Smollett’s request. The sources also say the “Empire” actor paid for the rope, which was purchased at the Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in the Ravenswood neighborhood the weekend of Jan. 25.


The brothers, who were questioned by police this week before being released, were paid $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return.


They left for Nigeria later in the day on Jan. 29, after the attack.


Sources said one of the brothers held the rope and poured bleach while the other wore a plain red hat and yelled slurs at Smollett.


The sources say the red hat was bought at an Uptown beauty supply store and that the attack was supposed to happen before Jan. 29. The brothers told detectives the three men rehearsed the attack days prior to it happening.


Smollett claims two men attacked him in Streeterville early Jan. 29 as he was heading to his apartment.


He said they yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him, poured a chemical on him and put a rope around his neck.


The brothers are now cooperating with police.


Since being released Friday night, the brothers have been staying in an undisclosed location.


Chicago police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said:


“We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation. We’ve reached out to the Empire cast member’s attorney to request a follow-up interview.”