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Chicago Police Believe That Jussie Smollett May Have Been “Active Participant” In His Own Attack

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Saturday has brought with it some major twists and developments into the alleged assault on Empire star, Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon) through multiple reports.  Two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the on-going investigation told CNN that Chicago Police believe actor Jussie Smollet paid two men to orchestrate an assault on him.

The men in question, who are brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, were originally arrested on Wednesday, but released without charges Friday after Chicago police cited: “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 charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete.”  Reports also say that the two men are fully cooperating with law enforcement.

Of note is: that the brothers are of Nigerian descent and teach online body building classes. The Chicago Tribune reports that Smollett follows the brothers’ workout page on Instagram.   One brother reportedly appeared in an episode of Empire, but was not credited it for it.

Smollett’s attack happened in the early hours of January 29th on the streets of Chicago, when Smollett told authorities that two men were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs.”  He also noted that one of the attackers put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.

The sources told CNN there are records that show the two brothers purchased the rope found around Smollett’s neck at an Ace Hardware store in Chicago.

“The new direction of the investigation is now based on the premise that Mr. Smollett was an active participant in the incident,” a law enforcement source close to the situation told Deadline.

In a statement from Chicago PD late Saturday: “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.”

In an update to this story: Jussie’s lawyers said in statement over the weekend that one of the brothers taken in to custody was Smollett’s personal trainer, and the actor finds it “impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie’s complicity.”

So, what do you believe at this juncture?  Do you think Smollett would stage a hate crime on himself? Could the police just not have found the true culprits? Share your theories on this developing story.

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It is both Stupid and Sad–
If true, but surely looks as is true, his career is ruined and that is a shame.

No doubt that he was motivated to create this mess and as to why that will come out later but- it was a stupid move, much like a lot of the soap opera stories are stupid but they are make-believe, his stunt is not..

(( wondering how Empire will write him out?
by death, I’d imagine…

hmmmm imagine; how he is feeling now.
he must be totally devastated and in dire straights..
it will be a horrible year ahead for him, what a shame ..

Very sad. What is the motive behind it?

I knew there was something fishy, about this fake attack. The Robin Roberts interview, gave it away. He was nervous and no eye contact with Robin. He needs to pay the price for lying. Send him to Jail.

If this is true, a vile act on Smollet’s part. More important, how unfair to real victims of homophobia, racism, and political attacks.

I-F Jussie Smollett did stage the entire attack on himself…then he needs to be brought up on charges…and then be sent to jail and/or prison.

End of story.

It is getting harder to tell the difference between truth from fiction nowadays–if these guys were the attackers, he can easily just say they are trying to “frame” him and it would be plausible since they attacked him– but it is just as plausible he did hired them because there were issues with his story from the start. Either way we are living in very sad times– sigh

BINGO, I called it from day one! He is an actor and a bad one at that! Once he faced Robin Roberts it was over! I’m surprised she and ABC fell for this hoax! And would did he gain? NOTHING! His career is over and I’m sure its someone elses fault and not his! This should NOT turn into a political pissing contest! ALL people of color and people who are gay should turn on this “Man!” Plus, the time wasted on this investigation. Celebrities who rushed to his side, I hope you learned a lesson! He didnt!

Amen, Timmmbo! I actually waited for this obviously phony farce to play out before commenting, although it was such a fantastically far-fetched account from the very start that anyone with an ounce of common sense could literally “smellitt” for the theatrical hoax it was. It would have been quite one thing to credibly claim an attack based upon a singular, specific aspect of this person’s known background, since sadly, these things do happen in reality. However, to concoct this terrible trifecta of a bashing covering the combined notions of race, sexual orientation a, of course, criminals who were of another color and political persuasion, was so rich and tailor-made to a particular purpose, it truly beggared belief! As it turns out, the only “hate crime” which occurred was the one perpetrated by Smollett himself against our president and his supporters! I hope law enforcement throws the book at this pathetic attention-seeker due to the dual facts that whilst the Chicago police wasted time and resources searching for his phantom attackers many more innocent people were harmed and/or killed on that city’s famously mean streets, not to mention, that this political/personal publicity stunt makes it all the more difficult for people who’ve honestly suffered such abuse to be taken seriously.

Shay, I never even knew who this was before his claims. Now I know the name and face and he is not a victim, he is a criminal!

@Timmm….Now everyone knows the name of this self-promoting, prevaricating punk, and none of it’s for good reason! (Apparently, lying to law enforcement is nothing new for this person….previous fraudulent information has been supplied to police concerning past criminal conduct.) I hope the very Small-ett enjoys all of his newfound notoriety whilst his sorry butt is sitting in the slammer…he deserves nothing less than a nice, hefty jail sentence for his hate-filled. antics.

Cheers sister!

I would hope that this comes out to be false but if true he needs to be brought to term but also needs help. Things like this are also a cry for help for individuals that are in crisis. I hope things get resolved quickly for all’s sake. A very sad thing.

Pathetic. He should be prosecuted ….. this guy did a disservice to those who are truly victims of a hate crimes. It’s like crying rape that didn’t happen……ruins the credibility of so many women and men who have been violated.
I saw an interview with this guy before he concocted this fake “crime”….He went on and on about his hate for President Trump. His hate for the Prez compelled him to go to this extreme …..the media was all over it; spewing its fake news…. including politicians and Big Mouth Maxine, accusing Trump and going back to her litany of, “Impeach 45–impeach 45.” Gimme a break!!
No one came out to apologize.
Please, hold your criticism and attacks. Trump is a dirty word for some, I get it. Well, that’s just too bad. Everyone is soooo sainted, pure and without sin. So perfect. Right!!
I don’t want to hear it!! I’ve heard it all before…… peace!!

If he did plan this (and it looks that way), I hope that he is prosecuted. He wasted a lot of police time and energy investigating a hoax.

what people will do for attention, how sad.

Breaking News

Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash

Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.

The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.

According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.

Courtesy/ABC

According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.

Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”

Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.

Photo: Pasadena PD

Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.

The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.

So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.

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Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85

Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.

Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).

However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

Photo: JPI

As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.

In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.

Photo:JPI

Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me.  In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home.  They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful.  I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.”  I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.

Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding.  A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass

Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke ShowHarry OAdam-12Starsky and HutchMarcus Welby, M.D.Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.

Photo: CBS

In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.

Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.

Photo: JPI

Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.

 

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REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital

For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.

According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).

Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.

Photo: ABC

After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared,  “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”

In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.

Photo: ABC

TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.

Photo: ABC

The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.

No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.

So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.

 

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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