Breaking News
Chicago Police Believe That Jussie Smollett May Have Been “Active Participant” In His Own Attack
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.
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
‘The Price is Right’ Decks the Halls with Five Holiday-Themed Primetime Episodes & Pet Rescue & Adoption Week on Daytime
Talk about getting into the holiday spirit! The Price is Right is set to air five brand new holiday-themed episodes airing in December on primetime, plus the daytime version will also have a special week. Host Drew Carey will preside over the game show proceedings!
Daytime’s The Price is Right holiday week (Dec 18-Dec 22) will feature animal trainer, author and host of CBS’ Lucky Dog Reunions, Brandon McMillan, and Robert Valandra, nephew of legendary host Bob Barker, who both bring along some furry friends up for adoption. The week concludes with ‘Price is Right’ model Amber Lancaster, an advocate of animal adoption, and some adorable dogs who need a home for the holidays.
The Price is Right continues to network television’s #1-rated daytime series and the longest-running game show in television history, broadcast weekdays (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT).
Photo: JPI
On Primetime, here is the holiday lineup of shows (the week of Dec 4-8):
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY (Monday, December 4, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) brings coworkers and colleagues together to cheer each other on as they play for prizes that can be shared and enjoyed by all of their office mates.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: BLIND HOLIDATE (Thursday, December 7, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) brings in a matchmaker to pair up an audience full of single, eligible adults, and lucky contestants will meet for the first time when they are called to “Come on down!” and compete together as a team. They play for fabulous cash and prizes, pairs of cars, and maybe they’ll even win a love match!
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: COLLEGE STUDENTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Friday, December 8 at 8:00 PM ET/PT) welcomes college students home adorned in their best school spirit gear, teamed up with their parents to play for exotic trips, amazing prizes, and cash for college!
Photos: JPI
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: HOLIDAYS WITH THE FAMILY (Monday, December 18, 8:00 PM, ET/PT). Parents and their young children compete for some of the most desired gifts Santa has in his sleigh. Decorated in their holiday best, families work as a team to win prizes to make their holidays oh so bright!
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT NIGHT: HOLIDAY HEROES (Tuesday, December 19, 8:00 PM, ET/PT) salutes the military to thank America’s brave heroes for keeping us safe all year round. Active-duty military members in uniform compete for luxury items, including trips to remarkable destinations, $50,000 in cash, and cars!
Of note: Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on demand. Essential-tier subscribers will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.
Lots of The Price is Right holiday cheer and pet adoptions coming your way. Will you be watching? Comment below. But first, check out a clip from one of the primetime episodes.
Breaking News
96th Annual Academy Awards to Start an Hour Earlier, While Jimmy Kimmel Shares, “I Always Dreamed of Hosting the Oscars Exactly Four Times”
In a move to keep viewers not up past their bedtimes, the 2024 Oscars telecast will now begin one hour earlier than usual. According to news from the Academy on Thursday, the ceremonies will begin at 7 pm ET/4PM PT on March 1o, 2024.
That is an hour shift when the broadcast usually begins at 8 pm ET/5pm PT. The official pre-show will also begin earlier, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
The 96th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with nominations being announced on January 23rd.
Photo: ABC
A few weeks ago on November 15th, Jimmy Kimmel was officially named the host of the Oscars for the fourth time. The hosting gig marks the second year in a row for Kimmel. The comedian also hosted in 2017 and 2018.
Kimmel’s wife Molly McNearney will also one again, co-write and executive produce, the telecast. In a statement on presiding over movies biggest night of the year, Kimmel joked, “I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.”
Photo: JPI
ABC also plans on airing a special episode of their hit comedy Abbott Elementary, immediately following what should be a three-and-a-half hour telecast of the Oscars.
So, what do you think about the time shift with the Oscars starting an hour earlier? Happy about it? Won’t be settled in at that early time slot to sit and watch the show? Comment below.
Breaking News
Marty Krofft Famed Children’s Show Producer of ‘H.R. Pufnstuf,’ ‘Land of the Lost,’ Dead at 86
Marty Kroftt. who along with his brother Sid, produced many memorable children’s shows throughout his career, including H.R. Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost has passed away at the age of 86..
A family representative told Variety that Krofft died of kidney failure Saturday November 25th in Los Angeles, California.
Krofft was often known as the “King of Saturday Mornings”, and along with his brother, Sid also produced primetime variety shows including Donny and Marie and Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.
Photo: JPI
At the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awarda, Marty and Sid were the recipients of the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. The Kroffts also produced Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, The Bugaloos and Lidsville.
The brothers always shared that they came from a line of puppeteers, and Sid, traveled the world as young man performing an elaborate puppet show. The brother’s partnership worked due to Sid was the more on the creative side, while Marty was more on the business side.
Marty said in the book “Pufnstuf & Other Stuff: The Weird and Wonderful World of Sid & Marty Krofft” (1998), written by TV critic, David Martindale, “Sid was always ‘the artist’. He never did have a business sense. So I came in and filled that vacuum.”
Photo: JPI
Krofft’s wife, the former Playboy playmate Christa Speck passed away in 2013. He lived in Los Angeles and is survived by his brothers Sid and Harry; his daughters Deanna Krofft-Pope, Kristina Krofft and Kendra Krofft; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Share your condolences for Marty Krofft via the comment section. But, first check out our interview with him along with is brother Sid, before they received their Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th annual ceremonies below.
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Talks On the Revelation That Shocks Claire, Vendetta Against the Newmans, and Working with Her Co-Stars
J. Eddie Peck ‘Thanks’ Fans For His Return to The Young and the Restless
Lifetime’s ‘Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas’ Brings Epic Food Fight and “Slapfest Coup de Grâce”
RATINGS: The Young and the Restless Hits Five-Month High in Total Viewers
Mishael Morgan Stars in Hallmark’s ‘Christmas with a Kiss’
RATINGS: The Young and the Restless Hits Five-Month High in Total Viewers
General Hospital Pays Tribute to Tyler Christopher at End of Episode, ABC Exec Nathan Varni Shares: “You’ll Always Be In Our Hearts”
GH’s Scarlett Fernandez on Charlotte’s Mindset: “She Completely Believes That Anna is Out to Get Her”
J. Eddie Peck ‘Thanks’ Fans For His Return to The Young and the Restless
THIS FRIDAY: The Young and the Restless’ Hayley Erin to Chat Live
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Talks On the Revelation That Shocks Claire, Vendetta Against the Newmans, and Working with Her Co-Stars
Lifetime’s ‘Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas’ Brings Epic Food Fight and “Slapfest Coup de Grâce”
RATINGS: The Young and the Restless Hits Five-Month High in Total Viewers
Mishael Morgan Stars in Hallmark’s ‘Christmas with a Kiss’
‘The Price is Right’ Decks the Halls with Five Holiday-Themed Primetime Episodes & Pet Rescue & Adoption Week on Daytime
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