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

By Michael Fairman

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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.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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