The Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson has expressed his disgust at Empire star, Jussie Smollett in a press conference on Thursday in which he said that Smollett allegedly staged his own attack which to them is a “publicity stunt to promote his career.” and increase his paycheck.
The Chicago Police Superintendent said the move by the Empire actor is disgraceful and a big slap to the African-American community, the LGBT which he represents and most importantly the people of Chicago.
Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson of the Chicago Police said:
“Jussie Smollett tool advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career,” Johnson said. “Why would anyone especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? … How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?” He asked.
According to ABC News, Johnson charged that Smollett, an actor on the hit show ‘Empire’ who has consistently denied any role in staging the alleged attack, orchestrated it because he was “dissatisfied with his salary.”
In addition to staging the attack, officials said, Smollett also sent himself a hate-filled letter to the Fox studio where the hit show is filmed.
The report said Jussie Smollett turned himself in at 5:15 a.m. local time and made a statement to police before being taken into custody. His lawyers, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, were not present at the time but they released the following statement the night before:
“Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.”
ABC also reported that Chicago law enforcement officials said that Chicago police detectives interviewed more than 100 people and reviewed dozens of police cameras trying to get to the bottom of Smollett’s claims.
The Chicago Police Boss described Smollett’s actions as shameful as he took advantage of the pain of racism to advance his career. He said:
“Why would anyone use the symbol of a noose” to further his “own public profile,” Johnson wondered aloud.
“I’m offended by what happened and I’m angry. This publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didn’t own and certainly didn’t deserve,” he said.
Jussie Smollett faces a possible prison sentence of up to three years if found guilty, and the Nigerian brothers could walk free after cooperating with the Police.