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Jussie Smollett: Timeline of the actor's alleged attack and arrest Jussie Smollett: Timeline of the actor's alleged attack and arrest
(4 months later)
All charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett - of staging a racist and homophobic attack - have been dropped. Jussie Smollett has been charged with six new counts of lying to police.
The story has taken quite a few twists and turns since he first claimed he was set upon by two men. The TV actor claimed he was the victim of an alleged racist and homophobic attack in Chicago last year.
Here's a full timeline of what's happened since January. Authorities accused him of staging the attack for publicity, something he has always denied.
Now, he is due back in court on 24 February - accused of disorderly conduct.
The story has taken quite a few twists and turns since he was first charged with filing a false police report in February 2019.
Here's a full timeline of what's happened since January last year.
29 January 2019: The alleged incident takes place29 January 2019: The alleged incident takes place
Chicago police say they're investigating a suspected racist and homophobic attack of Jussie Smollett by two masked men which happened at about 2am.Chicago police say they're investigating a suspected racist and homophobic attack of Jussie Smollett by two masked men which happened at about 2am.
They say the actor was punched in the face, had an "unknown chemical substance" poured on him and a rope wrapped around his neck.They say the actor was punched in the face, had an "unknown chemical substance" poured on him and a rope wrapped around his neck.
Jussie Smollett tells police the two attackers also made reference to MAGA (make America great again) - the slogan often used by President Donald Trump and his supporters.Jussie Smollett tells police the two attackers also made reference to MAGA (make America great again) - the slogan often used by President Donald Trump and his supporters.
He goes to a doctor and police describe his condition as "good".He goes to a doctor and police describe his condition as "good".
30 January: An outpouring of support from celebrities30 January: An outpouring of support from celebrities
Stars including Viola Davis, Janelle Monae and TI come out with messages of support for the actor.Stars including Viola Davis, Janelle Monae and TI come out with messages of support for the actor.
His Empire co-stars including Grace Byers and Naomi Campbell also show support.His Empire co-stars including Grace Byers and Naomi Campbell also show support.
Grace Byers says: "This despicable act only shamefully reveals how deeply the diseases of hatred, inequality, racism and discrimination continue to course through our country's veins."Grace Byers says: "This despicable act only shamefully reveals how deeply the diseases of hatred, inequality, racism and discrimination continue to course through our country's veins."
Empire creator Lee Daniels posts and emotional video on Instagram, syaing: "Hold your head up Jussie. I'm with you."Empire creator Lee Daniels posts and emotional video on Instagram, syaing: "Hold your head up Jussie. I'm with you."
Comedian Steve Harvey says: "This is about coming to the aid of another brother that has tasted the brutality of hatred and racism and bigotry."Comedian Steve Harvey says: "This is about coming to the aid of another brother that has tasted the brutality of hatred and racism and bigotry."
31 January: Refusing to hand over his phone31 January: Refusing to hand over his phone
Jussie Smollett refuses to hand over his phone to police investigating the attack.Jussie Smollett refuses to hand over his phone to police investigating the attack.
They wanted it to confirm details - including the MAGA references made - as the actor says he was on the phone to his manager at the time.They wanted it to confirm details - including the MAGA references made - as the actor says he was on the phone to his manager at the time.
A day later, the police say: "He's a victim. We don't treat him like a criminal."A day later, the police say: "He's a victim. We don't treat him like a criminal."
They say they won't demand the phone.They say they won't demand the phone.
1 February: Jussie Smollett speaks for the first time1 February: Jussie Smollett speaks for the first time
The actor says he's "OK" after the incident.The actor says he's "OK" after the incident.
In a statement, he says: "The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words."In a statement, he says: "The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words."
He adds: "I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level."He adds: "I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level."
Chicago police also release pictures of two "people of interest" they want to speak to.Chicago police also release pictures of two "people of interest" they want to speak to.
Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi says "detectives are taking this development seriously".Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi says "detectives are taking this development seriously".
2 February: 'I'm the gay Tupac'2 February: 'I'm the gay Tupac'
At a concert that had been planned for a long time, Jussie Smollett makes some more comments on the incident.At a concert that had been planned for a long time, Jussie Smollett makes some more comments on the incident.
"I'm not fully healed yet, but I'm going to," he says, reading from a piece of paper."I'm not fully healed yet, but I'm going to," he says, reading from a piece of paper.
"Just because there has been a lot of stuff said about me that's absolutely not true.""Just because there has been a lot of stuff said about me that's absolutely not true."
Glancing at the balcony, he adds: "I'm sure my lawyer's sitting up there like 'No, Jussie, no'."Glancing at the balcony, he adds: "I'm sure my lawyer's sitting up there like 'No, Jussie, no'."
He says: "Above all, I fought... back."He says: "Above all, I fought... back."
"I'm the gay Tupac," he finishes, without explaining what he means."I'm the gay Tupac," he finishes, without explaining what he means.
11 February: Phone records submitted11 February: Phone records submitted
Jussie Smollett gives police a PDF file of his phone records, after they had originally asked for his phone and he'd refused.Jussie Smollett gives police a PDF file of his phone records, after they had originally asked for his phone and he'd refused.
But the files are redacted - some bits have been covered up.But the files are redacted - some bits have been covered up.
The police says there's no reason to suspect any wrongdoing from Jussie Smollett and are "not even looking at charges regarding filing a false report".The police says there's no reason to suspect any wrongdoing from Jussie Smollett and are "not even looking at charges regarding filing a false report".
14 February: 'Persons of interest' arrested by police14 February: 'Persons of interest' arrested by police
The two people of interest are arrested and interviewed by the police, but not charged and not treated as suspects.The two people of interest are arrested and interviewed by the police, but not charged and not treated as suspects.
They are Obabinjo (Ola) and Abimbola (Abel) Osundairo, brothers originally from Nigeria.They are Obabinjo (Ola) and Abimbola (Abel) Osundairo, brothers originally from Nigeria.
They had worked as Empire extras, sometimes going to the gym with the actor, their lawyer says.They had worked as Empire extras, sometimes going to the gym with the actor, their lawyer says.
Some of the items seized from a police raid of their home include a black face mask, an Empire script, phone, receipts, a red hat and bleach.Some of the items seized from a police raid of their home include a black face mask, an Empire script, phone, receipts, a red hat and bleach.
On the same day, an interview with Jussie Smollett is shown on Good Morning America.On the same day, an interview with Jussie Smollett is shown on Good Morning America.
He suggests the alleged attackers were white, saying: "If I had said [the attackers] was a Muslim, or a Mexican, or someone black, I feel like the doubters would have supported me a lot much more."He suggests the alleged attackers were white, saying: "If I had said [the attackers] was a Muslim, or a Mexican, or someone black, I feel like the doubters would have supported me a lot much more."
On his refusal to hand over his phone, he says: "I have private pictures and videos and numbers... my private emails, my private songs, my private voice memos."On his refusal to hand over his phone, he says: "I have private pictures and videos and numbers... my private emails, my private songs, my private voice memos."
And speaking through tears, he says gay people should "learn to fight" these kinds of attacks.And speaking through tears, he says gay people should "learn to fight" these kinds of attacks.
Chicago police say they have "no evidence to support" reports that the attack was staged.Chicago police say they have "no evidence to support" reports that the attack was staged.
17 February: 'Trajectory of the investigation' has shifted17 February: 'Trajectory of the investigation' has shifted
Chicago police say there have been "some developments in this investigation," a day after they release the Osundairo brothers without charge.Chicago police say there have been "some developments in this investigation," a day after they release the Osundairo brothers without charge.
They say they want to speak to "the individual who reported the incident" - Jussie Smollett.They say they want to speak to "the individual who reported the incident" - Jussie Smollett.
The actor's lawyers say in a statement: "Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with."The actor's lawyers say in a statement: "Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with."
They add it's "impossible to believe" that the Osundairos "could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie's complicity".They add it's "impossible to believe" that the Osundairos "could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie's complicity".
20 February: Jussie Smollett is charged by police20 February: Jussie Smollett is charged by police
Chicago police say the actor is charged with "disorderly conduct/filing a false police report".Chicago police say the actor is charged with "disorderly conduct/filing a false police report".
Earlier in the day, a reporter in the US obtains footage appearing to show the brothers buying materials, including ski masks, that had allegedly been worn by the people who attacked the actor.Earlier in the day, a reporter in the US obtains footage appearing to show the brothers buying materials, including ski masks, that had allegedly been worn by the people who attacked the actor.
Mr Smollett's lawyers say they will "conduct a thorough investigation and mount an aggressive defence".Mr Smollett's lawyers say they will "conduct a thorough investigation and mount an aggressive defence".
The rapper 50 Cent, who had previously come out in support of Jussie Smollett, posts a picture on Instagram referencing the actor's "gay Tupac" comment.The rapper 50 Cent, who had previously come out in support of Jussie Smollett, posts a picture on Instagram referencing the actor's "gay Tupac" comment.
In the picture, he's put Jussie Smollett's face over Tupac's on the album cover for All Eyez On Me - and changed the album name to "all liez on me".In the picture, he's put Jussie Smollett's face over Tupac's on the album cover for All Eyez On Me - and changed the album name to "all liez on me".
21 February: Jussie Smollett is arrested21 February: Jussie Smollett is arrested
Jussie Smollett hands himself into police and is arrested.Jussie Smollett hands himself into police and is arrested.
At a press conference, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says that Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career".At a press conference, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says that Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career".
He adds that the actor did it because he was "dissatisfied with his salary".He adds that the actor did it because he was "dissatisfied with his salary".
Police claim he also had sent a racist letter to himself at a Fox studio and paid the Osundairo brothers a cheque for $3,500 (£2,600) to stage the attack.Police claim he also had sent a racist letter to himself at a Fox studio and paid the Osundairo brothers a cheque for $3,500 (£2,600) to stage the attack.
Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox, the makers of Empire, issue a statement regarding the future of Jussie Smollett on the show.Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox, the makers of Empire, issue a statement regarding the future of Jussie Smollett on the show.
"We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.""We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options."
President Donald Trump tweets about the incident, calling the actor's comments "racist and dangerous".President Donald Trump tweets about the incident, calling the actor's comments "racist and dangerous".
When asked about the alleged attack previously, the president had said: "I think that's horrible. It doesn't get worse, as far as I'm concerned."When asked about the alleged attack previously, the president had said: "I think that's horrible. It doesn't get worse, as far as I'm concerned."
Later that day in court, Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke says that the "most vile" part of the incident was the use of a noose.Later that day in court, Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke says that the "most vile" part of the incident was the use of a noose.
Smollett's lawyers issue a strongly-worded statement after the hearing, calling it an "organised law enforcement spectacle".Smollett's lawyers issue a strongly-worded statement after the hearing, calling it an "organised law enforcement spectacle".
22 February: Jussie Smollett is suspended from Empire22 February: Jussie Smollett is suspended from Empire
The TV show's executive producers release a statement saying the actor won't be in the final two episodes of the latest series.The TV show's executive producers release a statement saying the actor won't be in the final two episodes of the latest series.
They add that the allegations against him are "disturbing".They add that the allegations against him are "disturbing".
25 February: Cheque called into question25 February: Cheque called into question
Reporters in the US get hold of a copy of the $3,500 cheque allegedly paid to Abel Osundairo for the attack.Reporters in the US get hold of a copy of the $3,500 cheque allegedly paid to Abel Osundairo for the attack.
It's dated 23 January and says: "5 week Nutrition/Workout program (Don't Go)."It's dated 23 January and says: "5 week Nutrition/Workout program (Don't Go)."
ABC News reports that Don't Go is the name of a music video Smollett was planning to shoot - which is why he paid the brothers to get him in shape.ABC News reports that Don't Go is the name of a music video Smollett was planning to shoot - which is why he paid the brothers to get him in shape.
1 March: Osundairo brothers 'regret' getting involved1 March: Osundairo brothers 'regret' getting involved
A statement from the brothers' lawyer Gloria Schmidt says they have "tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation".A statement from the brothers' lawyer Gloria Schmidt says they have "tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation".
It adds: "They understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves."It adds: "They understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves."
13 March: Empire returns13 March: Empire returns
The first new episode of Empire is aired since the alleged attack.The first new episode of Empire is aired since the alleged attack.
Jussie Smollett's character Jamal Lyon features in the episode, which is down in the ratings, according to Variety.Jussie Smollett's character Jamal Lyon features in the episode, which is down in the ratings, according to Variety.
He is scheduled to appear in seven of the remaining nine episodes of season five.He is scheduled to appear in seven of the remaining nine episodes of season five.
14 March: Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty14 March: Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty
Jussie Smollett appears in court charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct and pleads not guilty.Jussie Smollett appears in court charged with 16 counts of disorderly conduct and pleads not guilty.
He must tell the court if he plans to leave the state of Illinois and is due back in court in mid-April.He must tell the court if he plans to leave the state of Illinois and is due back in court in mid-April.
20 March: Empire creator speaks out20 March: Empire creator speaks out
Lee Daniels, the creator of Empire, speaks about the "pain and anger and sadness and frustration" he and his cast have gone through over the saga.Lee Daniels, the creator of Empire, speaks about the "pain and anger and sadness and frustration" he and his cast have gone through over the saga.
In an Instagram video, he adds that he and his team "really don't know how to deal with it."In an Instagram video, he adds that he and his team "really don't know how to deal with it."
He adds that Empire "was made to bring America together" and to "talk about the atrocities that are happening right now in the streets."He adds that Empire "was made to bring America together" and to "talk about the atrocities that are happening right now in the streets."
26 March: Smollett cleared of all charges26 March: Smollett cleared of all charges
After an emergency court appearance, all charges against Jussie Smollett are dropped.After an emergency court appearance, all charges against Jussie Smollett are dropped.
In a statement, his lawyer says: "He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator."In a statement, his lawyer says: "He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator."
They add that his record "has been wiped clean."They add that his record "has been wiped clean."
But Chicago Police and the city's mayor stand by their case against Jussie Smollett, criticising the latest development in a joint news conference.But Chicago Police and the city's mayor stand by their case against Jussie Smollett, criticising the latest development in a joint news conference.
Superintendent Eddie Johnson says: "At the end of the day, it is Mr Smollett who committed this hoax, period.Superintendent Eddie Johnson says: "At the end of the day, it is Mr Smollett who committed this hoax, period.
"If he wanted to clear his name, the way to do that is in a court of law so that everyone can see the evidence... I stand by the facts of what we produced.""If he wanted to clear his name, the way to do that is in a court of law so that everyone can see the evidence... I stand by the facts of what we produced."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Jussie was "let off scot-free, with no sense of accountability for the moral and ethical wrong of his actions".Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Jussie was "let off scot-free, with no sense of accountability for the moral and ethical wrong of his actions".
27 March: Lawyer says 'case is closed'27 March: Lawyer says 'case is closed'
Jussie receives more criticism from Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.Jussie receives more criticism from Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
He calls the dropping of the charges "a whitewash of justice" and lashes out at Smollett for dragging the city's reputation "through the mud".He calls the dropping of the charges "a whitewash of justice" and lashes out at Smollett for dragging the city's reputation "through the mud".
Illinois prosecutor Joe Magats, who decided to drop the charges, tells CBS he thinks Smollett is guilty.Illinois prosecutor Joe Magats, who decided to drop the charges, tells CBS he thinks Smollett is guilty.
But he explains the charges were dropped because Jussie forfeited a $10,000 (£7,600) bond payment and carried out community service.But he explains the charges were dropped because Jussie forfeited a $10,000 (£7,600) bond payment and carried out community service.
Jussie Smollett's lawyer Patricia Brown Holmes says "the case is closed" and "no public official has the right to violate" her client's rights.Jussie Smollett's lawyer Patricia Brown Holmes says "the case is closed" and "no public official has the right to violate" her client's rights.
In a statement she says: "We respectfully request all government agencies involved live up to the ethical tenets of their office.In a statement she says: "We respectfully request all government agencies involved live up to the ethical tenets of their office.
"The case was dismissed. We should all allow Mr Smollett to move on with his life as a free citizen.""The case was dismissed. We should all allow Mr Smollett to move on with his life as a free citizen."
28 March: Trump calls case 'embarrassment to nation'28 March: Trump calls case 'embarrassment to nation'
US President Donald Trump tweets his thoughts on the case, calling it "outrageous" and an "embarrassment to the nation".US President Donald Trump tweets his thoughts on the case, calling it "outrageous" and an "embarrassment to the nation".
He also reveals the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will now be investigating.He also reveals the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will now be investigating.
29 March: Jussie is ordered to pay for police overtime29 March: Jussie is ordered to pay for police overtime
Chicago police orders Jussie to pay $130,000 (£99,000) to cover the cost of police officers, including overtime worked on the case.Chicago police orders Jussie to pay $130,000 (£99,000) to cover the cost of police officers, including overtime worked on the case.
Officers say the time spent reviewing video and physical evidence could have been spent on other investigations.Officers say the time spent reviewing video and physical evidence could have been spent on other investigations.
In a letter to the actor, they repeat accusations that Jussie "orchestrated" the attack.In a letter to the actor, they repeat accusations that Jussie "orchestrated" the attack.
12 April: The actor is sued by the City of Chicago12 April: The actor is sued by the City of Chicago
After Jussie Smollett refused to pay the $130,000 demanded by the Chicago police, he has been sued for "three times" that amount.After Jussie Smollett refused to pay the $130,000 demanded by the Chicago police, he has been sued for "three times" that amount.
Police still want to be compensated for the manpower used investigating his alleged assault.Police still want to be compensated for the manpower used investigating his alleged assault.
They still believe Jussie staged the attack.They still believe Jussie staged the attack.
23 April: Brothers suing actor's lawyers23 April: Brothers suing actor's lawyers
It's revealed that Jussie Smollett's legal team is being sued for defamation by the Osundairo brothers - who say they continue to be accused of carrying out a racist and homophobic attack against the actor.It's revealed that Jussie Smollett's legal team is being sued for defamation by the Osundairo brothers - who say they continue to be accused of carrying out a racist and homophobic attack against the actor.
Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo say their reputations have been damaged as a result of the claims.Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo say their reputations have been damaged as a result of the claims.
Smollett's lawyers Mark Geragos and Tina Glandian described the lawsuit as "comical" and "ridiculous".Smollett's lawyers Mark Geragos and Tina Glandian described the lawsuit as "comical" and "ridiculous".
30 April: 'No plans' for Jussie Smollett's Empire return30 April: 'No plans' for Jussie Smollett's Empire return
TV Network Fox confirms Empire has been renewed for a sixth season but said there were "no plans" for Smollett's character, Jamal, to return.TV Network Fox confirms Empire has been renewed for a sixth season but said there were "no plans" for Smollett's character, Jamal, to return.
In a statement it said: "By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett's option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire."In a statement it said: "By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett's option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire."
Smollett has worked on the show since season one in 2015. His character was removed from the final two episodes of season five after the allegations against him surfaced.Smollett has worked on the show since season one in 2015. His character was removed from the final two episodes of season five after the allegations against him surfaced.
5 June: Jussie Smollett 'will NOT be returning to Empire'5 June: Jussie Smollett 'will NOT be returning to Empire'
There it is - confirmation from Empire co-creator Lee Daniels that Jussie Smollett will definitely not feature in the show's final season.There it is - confirmation from Empire co-creator Lee Daniels that Jussie Smollett will definitely not feature in the show's final season.
24 June: Noose footage released by police24 June: Noose footage released by police
Chicago Police release footage taken about seven hours after the alleged attack.Chicago Police release footage taken about seven hours after the alleged attack.
Taken from a police officer's bodycam in Jussie Smollett's apartment, it shows the actor with a rope still around his neck.Taken from a police officer's bodycam in Jussie Smollett's apartment, it shows the actor with a rope still around his neck.
An officer says: "Do you want to take it off or anything?"An officer says: "Do you want to take it off or anything?"
Smollett replies: "Yeah I do, I just wanted you to see it."Smollett replies: "Yeah I do, I just wanted you to see it."
The footage is part of hundreds of files released by Chicago Police from their investigation into the case.The footage is part of hundreds of files released by Chicago Police from their investigation into the case.
Another video appears to show Abel and Ola Osundairo in a cab on the night the police were called.Another video appears to show Abel and Ola Osundairo in a cab on the night the police were called.
12 February 2020: Six new charges
Special prosecutor Dan Webb, who was assigned to investigate how the case was handled, says in a statement he is going to further prosecute Smollett.
The actor is charged with six counts of lying to police.
A court date of 24 February is set.
This article was originally published on 25th June 2019.
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