‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett surrendered to Chicago police early this morning after repeated denials that he orchestrated the racist and homophobic attack in the Streeterville area of Chicago.

Smollett has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report when he reported that he was attacked.

Smollett’s mug shot from earlier today:

There will be a court hearing a 1:30 PM CT where Smollett will enter a plea.

Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson held nothing back in his statement this morning:

He began by discussing the victims of Chicago crime and how he wishes they would get more attention:

“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.”

He went on to slam Smollett for the “publicity stunt” he orchestrated.

He held nothing back in his statement:

Supt. Eddie Johnson: I’ve lived in the city of Chicago my entire life. We just don’t have any room for hatred in this city. To be used for personal gain is “shameful.”

“It’s shameful”…”It’s just despicable”… “It makes you wonder what’s going on in someone’s mind to be able to do something like that.”

Eddie Johnson’s statement reveals that he’s not playing with the people who continue to make Smollett out to be the victim. His concern for victims of future hate crimes was expressed:

“I’m also concerned about what this means moving forward for hate crimes. My concern is that hate crimes will now publicly be met with a level of skepticism that previously didn’t happen.”

Smollett could be fined and also see up to 3 years in jail.

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.


We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.