Breaking News

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

February 16, 2019

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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Guest

su000

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… Read more »

Guest

Mark Edward Wilows

Very sad. What is the motive behind it?

Guest

Tony

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.

Guest

Charday

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

Guest

jaybird369

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.

Guest

Mary SFIM

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

Guest

Timmm

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!

Guest

Shay

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… Read more »

Guest

Timmm

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!

Guest

Shay

@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.

Guest

Timmm

Cheers sister!

Guest

Barbara

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.

Guest

Celia

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,… Read more »

Guest

Momo

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.

Guest

aria

what people will do for attention, how sad.

Breaking News

‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Limited-Series Ordered by Peacock

July 26, 2021

The NBCUniversal streaming service, Peacock has ordered a five-episode limited run featuring Days of our Lives!

In the first of its kind for the streamer, the series entitled Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem will feature fan favorite returns, the current cast and more which includes: Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed, Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans, Drake Hogestyn as John Black, Jackée Harry as Paulina Price, James Reynolds as Abe Carver, Victoria Konefal as Ciara Brady, Robert Scott Wilson as Ben Weston, Billy Flynn as Chad DiMera, Lamon Archey as Eli Grant and Sal Stowers as Lani Price.

According to the announcement on the series Monday morning; here is what fans can look for in the limited series: Over a long weekend, John & Marlena travel to Zurich, Ben & Ciara have a romantic getaway in New Orleans, Chad visits some old friends in Phoenix, and Abe, Paulina, Lani, and Eli vacation in Miami. All find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving stolen jewels which, in the wrong hands, could cause dire consequences for Salem. It’s a race against time for ISA agent Billie Reed as she crosses the globe in search of this missing treasure. Packed with all of the romance, action, drama, and surprises that only Days of our Lives can deliver, fans will spend a week with their favorite Salem supercouples and reconnect with many familiar faces along the way.

Look for additional characters than those listed above to also make appearances as well in the hunt for the stolen jewels.

Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem is produced by Corday Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ken Corday is the executive producer with co-executive producer Albert Alarr. Ron Carlivati serves as head writer.

So, what do you think about the upcoming series on Peacock featuring Days of our Lives? Comment below.

Breaking News

DAYS and GH Director Joe Behar Passes Away at 94

July 19, 2021

Joseph Behar was heavyweight director in daytime drama having worked on both Days of our Lives and General Hospital and now comes word of his passing. Behar passed away on June 26th at the age of 94.

According to his obit, he died at his home in Manhattan Beach, California.

Joe spent the the bulk of his career directing Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. He actually directed the pilot episode of General Hospital back in 1963, then came back the ABC daytime drama series 30 years later to direct it for more than 10 more years,.

Along the way, he won 5 Daytime Emmys for his work on GH, and had won six overall throughout his career. He continued directing until his retirement back in 2005.

Behar’s career started on the Ernie Kovacs Show and he also directed Let’s Make a Deal. and more.

Photo: JPI

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and his sons, Jeffrey, Steven and Greg Behar and his grandchildren, Alex, Mallory, Niko and Lydia.

Watch an interview with Joe via the TV Academy on his career including working with Frances Reid (Ex-Alice, DAYS), the pace of directing in daytime and more below.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Joe and his family in the comment section.

Breaking News

‘The Bay’s’ Kristos Andrews, Karrueche Tran & Mike Manning Take Top Acting Honors at 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Fiction & Lifestyle Ceremony

July 18, 2021

The digital drama, The Bay, won big tonight at the final ceremony for this year’s 48th annual Daytime Emmys.

On Sunday, NATAS revealed the winners in the Daytime Fiction & Lifestyle Programming categories hosted by Loni Love and streamed on their OTT App and online.

Within the mixed-bag of categories were the actors very familiar to soap audience who were competing from the streaming digital dramas including The Bay and Studio City.

Former Days of our Lives star, Mike. Manning (Ex-Charlie Dale) won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Fiction Series for his performance as Caleb in The Bay.

Following his moving acceptance speech about the series shedding light on same-sex wedding and the LGBTQ community, Manning took to Twitter to add: “I didn’t expect this. I’m still in shock. Thank you everyone who had a hand in getting me here! The producers, the fans, @TheBaytheSeries team, my family, I love you all!! Thank you x1000″

Meanwhile, for his portrayal of dual roles of Peter and Adam on The Bay, Kristos Andrews picked up another Emmy for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Fiction Series. This is his fourth win for his acting work on the digital drama series, but he has also received four more as one of the main producer of The Bay. Andrews’ on-screen scene partner, Karrueche Tran, took home the gold for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Fiction Series for her performance as Vivian.

In the Younger Performer category, Chiara D’ Ambrosio of The Bay and the former Summer Newman of Y&R, won for her work.

For the complete list of winners from the ceremony click here.

So, what do you think of the performer winners from the digital dramas at tonight’s Daytime Emmys? Let us know in the comment section below.

I didn’t expect this. I’m still in shock. Thank you everyone who had a hand in getting me here! The producers, the fans, @TheBaytheSeries team, my family, I love you all!! Thank you x1000. #DaytimeEmmys https://t.co/THvuNSMRJA pic.twitter.com/A5R8orBdRN

— Mike Manning (@mike_manning_) July 19, 2021