News Round-Up: April 23, 2019

Some news items you might have missed:

• Who else is feeling springtime in the air? Graphic artist Silverjow captures the mood perfectly (above). He shares that he was inspired by the cherry blossoms in Japan as well as the stylish peeps heading to work in their business suits :)

• Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, the brothers accused of attacking actor Jussie Smollett and later cleared when prosecutors announced Smollett had orchestrated a hoax to advance his career, are suing Smollett's legal team for defamation.

• Donald Trump's son-in-law and presidential adviser Jared Kushner suggested Tuesday that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation was more harmful to the US than Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Kushner downplayed Russia's efforts to interfere with the 2016 election as "buying some Facebook ads."

• Voter turnout for young voters during the midterm elections was the highest in four decades.

.@AnneKFlaherty reports: Young people behind the highest midterm turnout in four decades per Census data

"Among 18- to 29-yo voter turnout went from 20 percent in 2014 to 36 percent in 2018, the largest percentage point increase for any age group — a 79 percent jump."

— Serena Marshall (@SerenaMarsh) April 23, 2019

• Nigel Shelby, a 15-year-old high school student in Huntsville, Alabama, took his own life after suffering from homophobic bullying from classmates. The Center for Social Equity found 89% of LGBTQ students report being bullied.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of suicide, please consider reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.

• A major faith-based foster care and adoption contractor for the state of Michigan, Bethany Christian Services, announced it will place children in LGBTQ homes, reversing course following a recent legal settlement.

• Politico reports that Donald Trump has ordered administration officials to boycott the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the annual fundraising gala attended by the White House press corps and scheduled for this Saturday. For the third year in a row, Trump has announced he will not attend, and instead hold a political rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, describing the dinner as “so boring and so negative.”

• Flipping the script from Trump's negative, let's end this Round-Up with Salt Cathedral's upbeat tribute to folks who work hard for what they want: "Go and Get It" featuring guest artists Big Freedia & Jarina DeMarco.

The bouncy, euphoric electronic track features playful pop vocals along with sunny horn samples on a bass-heavy track.

Salt Cathedral say, ”‘Go And Get It’ is our hustler anthem. Since we came to this country we worked to open doors constantly by hustling like crazy. Having Jarina and Freedia be part of this and bring their magic into it makes the message and emotion extra powerful. We hope for people to feel inspired and go and get the shit that they want in their lives.”

Chicago Is Suing Jussie Smollett For $130K Investigation

Jussie Smollett

Just when we thought the whole Jussie Smollett debacle was done and done, the city of Chicago has announced it may file a lawsuit in an attempt to recoup expenses for the cost of investigating his alleged late-night attack.

In late January, Smollett filed a police report alleging he was assaulted by two masked men who beat him, poured an unknown liquid over his head and put a noose around his neck - all while reportedly shouting homophobic and racist slurs.

As reported here on The Randy Report, the investigation eventually turned to Smollett, and he was charged with 16 counts of filing a false police report.

Last week, the charges were abruptly dropped.

Two days later, the city sent the Empire actor a bill for $130,000 for expenses related to the police investigation.

Smollett apparently has no interest in paying the bill.

Via Variety:

“Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on Jan. 29, 2019,” the city said. “The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County… The Law Department will file the suit in the near future. As part of this legal action, the Law Department will pursue the full measure of damages allowed under the ordinance.”

Smollett maintains he is innocent.

“It is the Mayor and the Police Chief who owe Jussie an apology — for dragging an innocent man’s character through the mud," his lawyer has previously told the press. "Jussie has paid enough.”

Trump Demands FBI & DOJ Look Into Dismissal Of Smollett Charges

Donald Trump

Donald Trump tweeted this morning that the FBI and Department of Justice will look into the sudden dismissal of charges for filing a false police report against Empire star Jussie Smollett.

The Trumpster's tiny thumbs typed out, "FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago. It is an embarrassment to our Nation!"

FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago. It is an embarrassment to our Nation!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2019

In case it’s not obvious, Trump really likes the Jussie Smollett case because for him and his base it fits into the Trumpian/Fox News narrative that racism against minorities is fake but racism against white people is real.

— Adam Serwer🍝 (@AdamSerwer) March 28, 2019

By claiming a false attack, Smollett tried to exploit the hate @realDonaldTrump has stirred. Now, predictably, Trump is moving to exploit Smollett’s exploitation.
Talk about a vicious circle! https://t.co/oQzPi2W9Im

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) March 28, 2019

When Trump says the Smollett case "is an embarrassment to our Nation” that’s the pot calling the kettle black except Trump is an embarrassment to our Nation and Smollett is not so it’s really like the pot calling something that’s not black black.

— Touré (@Toure) March 28, 2019

All Charges Against 'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett Dropped!

'Empire' star Jussie Smollett

TMZ is reporting all criminal charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped.

According to reports, Smollett will surrender his $10,000 bond, but that will be the only penalty paid by the actor.

As TMZ writes, “The case is over.”

A statement from Smollett’s lawyers reads, “Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him.”

“Jussie was attacked by 2 people he was unable to identify on January 29th,” the statement continued. “He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public, causing an inappropriate rush to judgment."

Saying Smollett and others were “hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions,”  the attorneys described the situation as “a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect.”

The statement concludes with: “Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result."

Smollett was facing 16 felony counts of lying to police in the alleged racial and homophobic attack.

The actor had reported to the police that on January 29, he was attacked by two men who physically assaulted him, poured an unidentified liquid on his head, and put a noose around his neck - all while allegedly yelling homophobic and racist slurs.

But TMZ reports, via sources close to Smollett, that the prosecution's case “disintegrated.”

For one thing, a $3,500 check from Smollett to the two brothers seems to have become problematic.

While the police asserted the check was for taking part in the fake attack, Smollett’s claim that it was for physical training appears to be true.

Additionally, while the Police Superintendent told the press that Smollett wrote himself a threatening letter 6 days before the attack, it seems the FBI had not concluded who wrote the letter.

UPDATE - Outside the Chicago courthouse, Smollett made this statement today:

“I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain. I’ve been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of. This has been an incredibly difficult time. Honestly, one of the worst of my entire life. But I am a man of faith and I’m a man that has knowledge of my history and I would not bring my family our lives, or the movement into a fire like this. I just wouldn’t. Now I’d like nothing more than to just get back to work and move on with my life. But make no mistake I will always continue to fight for justice, equality and betterment of marginalized people everywhere.”

BREAKING: Attorneys for "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett say charges alleging he lied to police about attack have been dropped.

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 26, 2019

Chicago: Jussie Smollett Enters 'Not Guilty' Plea To 16 Felony Counts

Jussie Smollett pleaded 'not guilty' in Chicago today

Actor Jussie Smollett appeared in a Chicago courtroom Thursday morning to officially plead ‘not guilty’ to 16 counts of felony disorderly conduct.

The charges stem from his claim that on January 29, during a late-night food run, he was assaulted by two men who physically beat him, put a noose around his neck, and poured an unidentified liquid on his head. Smollett alleges his assailants used homophobic and racist slurs during the attack.

The Chicago Police Department were able to track down the two men - brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo - via surveillance cameras. The two men told police they were paid by Smollett to stage the incident in an effort by Smollett to increase his salary on Empire.

On March 9, a grand jury indicted Smollett on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing false police reports.

Since the scandal has escalated and charges were filed against him, the TV show has written Smollett's character out of the remaining episodes this season.

His attorney, Tina Glandian, entered the plea during the brief hearing at Leighton Criminal Courthouse, according to Chicago’s local CBS2 News.

Following the plea, Cook County Judge Steven Watkins ruled that Smollett may travel to California and New York for consultations with his lawyers as long he provides the court with 48 hours notice.

Otherwise, the 36-year-old will not be allowed to leave the state of Illinois without prior permission from the court.

The presiding Criminal Court Judge allowed cameras in the courtroom today, but Judge Watkins will have the final say as to whether future hearings will be open to media cameras.

Smollett has indicated through his lawyers that he wants the cameras in the court as a balance to what he says are ‘misinformation’ leaks. His attorneys say they want the public to see evidence as it is presented in court.

During a recent appearance on CNN with Anderson Cooper, Smollett’s defense attorney Mark Geragos claimed the Empire star has been the victim of a ‘media gang bang.’

“What is happening here is, frankly, a media gang bang of this guy of unprecedented proportions,” said the celebrity lawyer who has previously represented Michael Jackson, Winona Ryder and Scott Peterson.

He added later, “I defy anybody to find any indictment anywhere where somebody has brought 16 counts for being a victim of a hate crime.”

Smollett’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 17. Watch Geragos’s 'gang bang' appearance on CNN below.

News Round-Up: March 11, 2019

Jonas Brothers score their very first #1 song

Some news items you might have missed:

• The Jonas Brothers have officially topped the Billboard Hot 100 with their come-back single “Sucker." It's the Jo Bros first number one (previous high was #5) and first boy band #1 in sixteen years.

• Democratic Presidential contender Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) said this weekend that she never supported conversion therapy, despite working for an organization that promoted it.

• Milwaukee beat out Houston and Miami for the 2020 Democratic Convention scheduled for July 13-16, 2020. Since the Democratic ticket barely lost usually 'true blue' Wisconsin in 2016, this makes perfect sense.

• This idiot not only got a beat down for grabbing the employee at McDonalds, but he was sentenced to 60 days in jail. The customer was apparently irate he couldn't find a straw. Watch him get more than he bargained for below.

• Jussie Smollett's lawyer, Mark Geragos, says the former Empire star is getting 'gang-banged' by the media.

• A Brazilian politician called same-sex kissing ‘obscene’ and suggested it could be punishable with prison time.

• Speaking of Brazil, Donald Trump has invited the country's newly-installed, virulently anti-LGBTQ president, Jair Bolsonaro, to visit at the White House. #OfCourse

•Music icon Olivia Newton-John celebrates the release of her first memoir, Don't Stop Believin'.

With her trademark positive outlook, the Grease star shares personal anecdotes including a new afterword (added after the Australian printing) of her stay in her own hospital, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research  Centre, last fall when she experienced a fractured sacrum.

The four-time Grammy Award winner went undercover for a few weeks for treatment and shares how proud she is of the world-class facility.

She also shares never-before-told stories from her 50+ year-old career in entertainment.

You can order the book on Amazon here.

Podcast: Utah Fails On Conversion Therapy; Mississippi Tries To Ban Gay Prom Dates; Mr. Rogers Was Bi; Jussie Smollett Gets More Bad News

In this week's podcast:

• Utah's governor apologizes for legislature's failure to ban so-called 'conversion therapy'

• Empire star Jussie Smollett gets more bad news

• A Mississippi high school is pretending it isn't trying to ban same-sex dates to prom

• Folks are surprised to learn that the iconic Mr. Rogers may have been bisexual

• And new music from country artist Cameron Hawthorn reminds of the romance of 'Dancing in the Living Room'

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Grand Jury Indicts 'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett On 16 Felony Charges

Jussie Smollett (mug shot via Chicago Police Dept)

In a stunning turn of events, Empire star Jussie Smollett has been indicted on 16 felony counts by a grand jury in Chicago.

Smollett was charged last month with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report on January 29.

Smollett had claimed he was attacked during a late-night food run by two masked men. The 36-year-old actor alleged the men beat him, put a noose around his neck, and poured an unidentified liquid on his head - all while yelling homophobic and racist slurs.

Police later tracked down the two men using surveillance footage, who say Smollett paid them to stage the attack.

Chicago’s local ABC News affiliate says the grand jury returned two separate sets of charges.

One related to Smollett’s initial statement to the police about the alleged hate crime. The second set of charges are in regard to his followup interview with the police later that same day.

ABC7 reports, “The new set of charges each carry a possible sentence of probation to four years.”

During a press conference last month, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that the actor initially faked a homophobic, racist letter to himself.

But when the actor didn't get the response he desired, Johnson said Smollett paid the two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack because he was "dissatisfied with his salary."

Stay tuned - developing story…

Podcast: Hookup Goes Bad; Same-Sex Parents Win In Court; Out Musician Matracia Takes Things "Slow"

In this podcast:

• A gay dating app hookup goes bad, really bad

• A federal judge rules in favor of same-sex parents who sought American citizenship for their son

• The Trump administration wants to decriminalize being gay around the world - really?…

• Jussie Smollett of Empire arrested and charged for filing false police report

• You really should be watching Netflix's reboot of One Day at a Time

• New music from out alternative artist Dylan Matracia takes things “Slow”

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Jussie Smollett Will Not Appear In Final Season 5 Episodes Of 'Empire'

Jussie Smollett

Variety reports that Jussie Smollett, arrested and charged with filing a false police report yesterday in Chicago, will not appear in the final episodes of Season 5 of Fox's Empire.

“The events of the past few weeks have been incredibly emotional for all of us” said series executives Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, Brett Mahoney, Brian Grazer, Sanaa Hamri, Francie Calfo and Dennis Hammer in a statement released Friday.

“Jussie has been an important member of our ‘Empire’ family for the past five years and we care about him deeply.

"While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our trust in the legal system as the process plays out.

"We are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of ‘Jamal’ from the final two episodes of the season.”

Jussie Smollett Charged With Filing False Police Report

Jussie Smollett (mug shot via CPD)

Early this morning, Empire star Jussie Smollett turned himself in to Chicago Police where he was charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a police report.

If found guilty, the class 4 felony carries a potential sentence of one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

At a press conference this morning, Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson was direct in denouncing Smollett's actions.

"Empire actor Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson told reporters. "Why would anyone, especially an African American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?"

"I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention, because that's who really deserves the amount of attention that we're giving to this particular incident."

Johnson added, “Smollett took advantage of the pain of racism to further his career...This publicity stunt was a scar the City of Chicago didn’t deserve.”

“First Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial homophobic and political language," said the police chief. "When that didn’t work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack… The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary so he concocted a story about being attacked.”

Here's just part of the press conference this morning.

I actually have a lot of respect for how Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is speaking personally about the Jussie Smollett situation. pic.twitter.com/0ty8Ak1aCH

— Zack Ford (@ZackFord) February 21, 2019

"My concern is that hate crimes will now publicly be met with a level of skepticism that previously didn't happen."

Bingo. pic.twitter.com/yGZYnGZGsL

— Zack Ford (@ZackFord) February 21, 2019

And, of course, here's the haters right on cue:

Jussie Smollett Indicted For Filing A False Police Report

Jussie Smollett

UPDATE: Empire star Jussie Smollett has been indicted for filing a false police report in connection to the alleged assault last month.

Cook County State’s Attorney’s office confirmed felony charges following a day hearings in front of a Grand Jury where evidence was presented by Chicago police.

Smollett faces a Class 4 felony and possibly 1 to 3 three years if found guilty.

******************************

Empire star Jussie Smollett has officially become a suspect for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony).

Detectives will be presenting evidence to a grand jury.

The Chicago Police Department tweeted out the news this afternoon:

Case Update: Jussie Smollett is now officially classified as a suspect in a criminal investigation by #ChicagoPolice for filing a false police report (Class 4 felony). Detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County Grand Jury. pic.twitter.com/FhDcbBKsuU

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 20, 2019

The case began last month when Smollett claimed he'd been attacked by two men in MAGA hats who beat him, poured bleach on his head and put a noose around his neck.

Since the original reports, aspects of his story seem to be crumbling.

According to several outlets, Smollett was allegedly not happy that a threatening racist letter didn't get a bigger reaction from his network. That was, reportedly, the impetus for a faked attack.

Which brings us to today.

If Smollett did make this story up, he harms every future victim who will perhaps not be believed.

Report: Police Believe Jussie Smollett Staged Attack After Racist Letter Didn't Get "Bigger Reaction"

Jussie Smollett 

According to Chicago's CBS2, police now believe Empire actor Jussie Smollett staged the now-infamous homophobic attack in Chicago last month because a threatening racist letter apparently didn't get a "bigger" reaction from the show's producers.

Via CBS2:

Sources told CBS 2 News that Smollett paid the two men $3,500 to stage the attack in Streeterville. The brothers, seen on surveillance video near the scene of the alleged attack, told investigators Smollett directed them to buy the rope used in the incident, and paid for the purchase at Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in Ravenswood days before the incident.

The brothers, who were questioned by police last week before being released, were paid $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return.

They left for Nigeria later in the day on Jan. 29, after the attack.

Sources said one of the brothers held the rope and poured bleach while the other wore a plain red hat and yelled slurs at Smollett.

The sources say the red hat was bought at an Uptown beauty supply store and that the attack was supposed to happen before Jan. 29. The brothers told detectives the three men rehearsed the attack days prior to it happening.

All three men rehearsed their plan just days before everything played out.

MULTIPLE SOURCES

Smollett upset at the reaction (or lack thereof) from others after receiving ‘threatening’ letter in mail prior to “attack”

Then concocted “attack.”

Feds investigating note

Brothers break their silence.Talking with me exclusively. https://t.co/0TtYH1awDE

— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 18, 2019

While we are not in a position to confirm, deny or comment on the validity of what's been unofficially released, there are some developments in this investigation and detectives have some follow-ups to complete which include speaking to the individual who reported the incident. pic.twitter.com/b9GgXbSUt9

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 17, 2019

Podcast: Ben Platt, Jussie Smollett, Sam Smith, HIV+ Soldiers

In this week's podcast:

• Chicago police reportedly believe Empire star Jussie Smollett may have staged his alleged homophobic attack

• A federal judge ordered the Pentagon to stop discharging US military service members who are HIV+

• Tony Award-winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) released his new music video and came out at the same time

• Sam Smith stands up against body shaming

• The 2019 NAACP Image Awards snubbed the ground-ground-breaking TV series from FX Pose

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

CNN: Chicago Police Believe Jussie Smollett Orchestrated 'Assault'

Jussie Smollett

Update via CNN:

Two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Chicago Police believe Jussie Smollett paid two men to orchestrate the assault.

The brothers, who were arrested Wednesday, were released without charges Friday after Chicago police cited the discovery of "new evidence." The sources told CNN that the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Chicago news anchor/reporter Rafer Weigel tweets:

#Breaking: 2 #CPD sources tell @fox32news the brothers arrested & released in #JussieSmollett case told detectives they were paid by the #Empire actor to orchestrate the attack. Detectives also have a receipt for the rope found on #Smollett neck showing the brothers bought it.

— Rafer Weigel (@RaferWeigel) February 17, 2019

********************************************

Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted an update to the ongoing investigation into the alleged assault on Empire star Jussie Smollett today.

Guglielmi tweeted  that the two individuals being questioned by police in the case were released without being charged. He also noted  that "detectives have additional investigative work to complete."

Case Update: 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. pic.twitter.com/Hswn1Qjgcy

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 16, 2019

Earlier this week, media outlets were reporting the CPD was looking into the possibility that Smollett faked the alleged attack.

But Guglielmi quickly responded to those reports calling them 'unconfirmed' and that the sources being used by those outlets were 'uninformed and inaccurate.'

Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019

Two Men Arrested In Connection To Alleged Attack On EMPIRE Star Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett

The Chicago Police Department has announced the arrests of two men in connection to the alleged homophobic attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett.

According to CNN, the men are the same that were previously identified in surveillance video as “persons of interest.”

Tom Ahern, Chicago Police communications deputy director, told the press that the men are being viewed as “potential suspects,” but have not been charged at this time.

The men were taken into custody for questioning Wednesday night at O’Hare Airport as they returned from a trip to Nigeria.

One of the men previously pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in 2012, and was sentenced to 2 years of probation, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Earlier today, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said detectives “had probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime.” Guglielmi didn’t specify what the alleged crime might have been.

"Interrogations will resume today with the two individuals and their attorney," Guglielmi said in his statement. "While we haven't found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is also no evidence to say that this is a hoax."

Smollett told the authorities that on January 29, he was attacked by two men who assaulted him, put a noose around his neck and poured an undetermined liquid on him. According to Smollett, the men used homophobic and racial slurs during the attack as well as yelling, “This is MAGA country!”

On Thursday, the CPD shared they had identified the two men, reportedly brothers from Nigeria, using surveillance cameras, public transportation records and corroborating info provided by Smollett.

Chicago news station CBS2 reports police raided the home of the two men finding bleach, shoes, electronics and more.

According to their lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, the men know Smollett as at least one of them has reportedly worked as an extra on Empire.

"They do know Jussie,” she told CBS2. “They have worked with him on Empire. My preliminary investigations show that on set it’s very tight. They’re all very cordial with each other, so they’re baffled why they are people of interest.”

There were conflicting press reports Thursday night as some outlets claimed the Chicago Police Department was looking into whether Smollett staged the attack himself and falsely reported the crime.

Among the theories was that Smollett might have faked the assault to raise his profile as his character on Empire was to be written off the series.

But Guglielmi announced via Twitter that media reports alleging the attack was a “hoax” were “unconfirmed by case detectives.”

The police spokesman added that media sources regarding the attack are “uninformed and inaccurate.”

Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019

Additionally, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment released the following statement regarding the reports:

“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of EMPIRE is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

BREAKING: Fox has released a statement firmly standing behind the actor:

“The idea that Jussie Smollet has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

— Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) February 15, 2019

Conflicting Reports In The Media Regarding Alleged Assault On Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett on 'Good Morning America'

There's rampant confusion in the media tonight as I'm seeing conflicting reports regarding the alleged attack on Empire star, Jussie Smollett.

Chicago police confirmed that they are talking to two persons of interest in connection with the alleged attack.

Local news station ABC7 Eyewitness News reports police are investigating whether Smollett and the two men staged the attack allegedly because Smollett was being written off of Empire.

In a statement released Thursday, police said they identified the two people in surveillance photos and tracked them down using cameras, public transportation records and corroborating info provided by Smollett.

CBS2 reports police raided the home of the two men finding bleach, shoes, electronics and more.

And, according to CBS2, the men know Smollett as they've reportedly worked as extras on Empire. That information came from their attorney, Gloria Schmidt.

"They do know Jussie,” she told CBS2. “They have worked with him on Empire. My preliminary investigations show that on set it’s very tight. They’re all very cordial with each other, so they’re baffled why they are people of interest.”

However...

As these reports began to circulate, Chief communications officer for the CPD, Anthony Guglielmi, tweeted that media reports alleging the attack was hoax are “unconfirmed by case detectives.”

Guglielmi added that media sources regarding the attack are “uninformed and inaccurate.”

Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019

Additionally, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment released the following statement regarding the reports:

“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of EMPIRE is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

BREAKING: Fox has released a statement firmly standing behind the actor:

“The idea that Jussie Smollet has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

— Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) February 15, 2019

I don't know what is or isn't true here, so I'm just reporting what I'm seeing.

Jussie Smollett Speaks To GMA About Alleged Late Night Attack

'Empire' star Jussie Smollett speaks to GMA about alleged gay bashing

In his first interview since he told police he had been the victim of a late night attack in Chicago, actor/singer Jussie Smollett says he’s disappointed some doubt his story.

"I have to acknowledge the lies, and the hate,” the Empire star told Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts. “And it feels like if I had said it was a Muslim, or a Mexican, or someone black, I feel like the doubters would have supported me much more - a lot more.”

"And that says a lot about the place that we are in our country right now,” he added.

Police continue to investigate the suspected hate crime that Smollett says happened on January 29 around 2 a.m. as he left a Subway restaurant.

The 36-year-old actor says two men yelled homophobic and racial slurs to get his attention, then put a noose made out of white rope around his neck, poured a liquid on him Smollett says was bleach, and then beat him. Smollett says the men yelled, “This is MAGA country” during the attack.

He was later treated for bruised ribs and injuries to his clavicle bone at a hospital.

Smollett says he thought if he told the truth, then, “That’s it - that’s the truth.” But, then as he began to hear doubters, he came to feel, ”Oh, it’s not necessarily that you don't believe that this is the truth, you don't even want to see the truth.”

"For me, the main thing was the idea that I somehow switched up my story, you know? And that somehow maybe I added a little extra trinket, you know, of the MAGA thing," Smollett told Roberts. "I didn't need to add anything like that. They called me a fag, they called me a n*gg*r. There's no which way you cut it. I don't need some MAGA hat as the cherry on top of some racist sundae."

He explains he didn’t immediately call the police out of a sense of pride, saying, “We live in a society where, as a gay man, you are considered - somehow - to be weak, and I’m not weak. And we, as a people, are not weak.”

When asked why he thought he was targeted, Smollett surmises it’s because, “I come really really hard against 45. I come really really hard against his administration."

Smollett says he believes the image of two people found on surveillance cameras by the police are his attackers, saying "I don't have any doubt in my mind that that's them - never did."

And moving forward, he says he “will never be the man that this did not happen to. I am forever changed.”

And Smollett has a message for the LGBTQ community. “I want a little gay boy, who might watch this to see that I fought back.”

“Learn to fight; learn to be a fighter,” he continued. “I’m not advocating violence, at all. If you are going to die, fight until you do. Cause if you don’t fight, you have no chance.”

Shortly after Smollett’s interview aired, Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted that authorities have found the persons of interest captured on surveillance cameras around the time of the alleged attack and they are being questioned.

Guglielmi emphasized the two are "not considered suspects at this time as they are currently being questioned by detectives."

He added, "We remain in communication with the alleged victim."

Important for media reporting: The people of interest are alleged to be in the area where a crime was reported. They are not considered suspects at this time as they are currently being questioned by detectives. We remain in communication with the alleged victim. pic.twitter.com/JuH1kYRTYV

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 14, 2019

News Round-Up: February 13, 2019

Some news items you might have missed:

• Donald Trump may think having a dog could make him look 'phony,' but InstaHunk Naor Yazdan says he's already found his Valentine's date, and this looks like true love to me.

• Out actor/singer Jussie Smollett will give his first interview since he was attacked in Chicago last month to Robin Roberts on GMA Thursday morning.

• Netflix's upcoming 'Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City’ is set to debut at the San Francisco International Film Festival at the Castro Theater on April 10. The series will arrive on Netflix this summer.

• Donald Trump said today that his proposed border wall will be harder to climb than Mount Everest.

• After Ellen Page called out movie star Chris Pratt for promoting his church, virulently anti-LGBTQ Hillsong Church, Pratt finally took to social media to defend the church saying it "opens its doors to absolutely everyone." Let's just say it didn't go over well with the Twitter people.

• Season 3 of Netflix's Emmy Award winning 'make better' series, Queer Eye, is set for release on March 15, and the streaming giant shared the news with a Valentines-themed video clip accompanied by a new track from pop star Carly Rae Jespen, "Now That I Found You."

After two seasons in Atlanta, the series is changing locations to help our folks in the Kansas City area. Hit play below for the upbeat vid.

View this post on Instagram

WE'RE BAAACK HENNYS! Get ready to 💗 L<3VE YOURSELF! 💗 Queer Eye 3 launches March 15. HUGE thanks to @carlyraejepsen for this exclusive preview of her *NEW BOP*, "Now That I Found You.” 😘

A post shared by Queer Eye (@queereye) on Feb 13, 2019 at 7:55am PST

Jussie Smollett Speaks Out At First Public Appearance: "I Fought The F*ck Back"

Jussie Smollett (image via screen capture)

Almost a week after Empire star Jussie Smollett was assaulted in Chicago by two men who used homophobic, racist slurs during the attack, the actor & singer showed up for his already scheduled concert at The Troubadour in Los Angeles last night.

As he took to the stage, his first public appearance since the attack, he told the crowd, “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I can’t let the motherf—ers win," according to Variety.

“I have so many words on my heart,” Smollett told the sold-out crowd. “The most important thing I have to say is thank you so much and that I’m okay. I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m going to. And I’m gonna stand strong with y’all… l will always stand for love. I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love. And I hope that you all will stand with me. So now… let’s do it.”

Variety notes that the concert was sold-out before the attack in Chicago.

With a setlist that included songs like, "Freedom," Conqueror," and "Hurt People," Smollett reportedly fought back tears as the evening took on a message of defiance and strength.

Near the end of the concert, the singer called out to two artists in attendance - out actor Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery) and Empire creator Lee Daniels: “I promised myself I was not gonna cry tonight. Someone in the crowd that I want to recognize: Wilson Cruz is someone I identified with growing up. I stand on the backs of so many people — of the Lee Daniels and the Wilson Cruz's — and I pray to God I make you all proud.”

Before his final encore, he said there were a few points of fact that he wanted to clear up regarding reports of the attack.

“I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked; they were not broken," he began. "I went to the doctor immediately - I was not hospitalized. Both my doctors in L.A. and Chicago cleared me to perform, but said to take care, obviously. And above all: I fought the f— back.”

And the crowd goes wild!

Since the racially motivated attack, @JussieSmollett hit the stage for his #SeanHealyPresentsJussieSmollett in LA with an emotional message. pic.twitter.com/MVBnKdq1pZ

— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) February 3, 2019

After the roar subsided, he finished the moment by joking, “I’m the gay Tupac! So now, we can do our encore.”

As he exited the stage, Smollett announced, “We are proud. We are gay.”

Wilson Cruz acknowledged Smollett on his Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

I couldn’t be MORE PROUD of you. The FORTITUDE it took for you to show up for US tonight. We are blessed to have you. Love you! @jussiesmollett ❤️✊🏽

A post shared by Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) on Feb 2, 2019 at 11:18pm PST