Connect with us

Uncategorized

Jussie Smollett arrested by Chicago police for allegedly lying about attack

The actor Jussie Smollett has been arrested after he was charged with lying to police when he claimed he was attacked and beaten by two masked men shouting racist and homophobic slurs, Chicago police have said. Smollett, 36, an openly gay actor who stars in the TV drama Empire, ignited a firestorm on social media by […]

Published

on

jussie

The actor Jussie Smollett has been arrested after he was charged with lying to police when he claimed he was attacked and beaten by two masked men shouting racist and homophobic slurs, Chicago police have said.

Smollett, 36, an openly gay actor who stars in the TV drama Empire, ignited a firestorm on social media by telling police on 29 January that two apparent supporters of Donald Trump had struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him.

Chicago police say Smollett turned himself in on Thursday morning to face a charge of making a false police report when he said he was attacked. Police superintendent Eddie Johnson plans to hold a morning news conference and Smollett is expected to appear in court later on Thursday. The 36-year-old actor was charged with felony disorderly conduct on Wednesday.

The charge could bring up to three years in prison. It could also force Smollett to pay for the cost of the investigation into his report.

In less than a month, Smollett went from receiving an outpouring of support for being the apparent victim of a hate crime, to being accused of fabricating the entire thing.

Initial reports of the assault drew outrage and support for him on social media, including from Senator Kamala Harris of California and TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Referring to a published account of the attack, Trump told reporters at the White House: “It doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned.”

But doubts about Smollett’s claim started with reports that he had not fully cooperated with police after telling authorities he was attacked. Then detectives in a city bristling with surveillance cameras could not find video of the beating.

Advertisement

Later, two brothers were taken into custody for questioning but were released after two days, with police saying they were no longer suspects. Police announced a “significant shift in the trajectory” of the investigation last week after the brothers were freed.

The charge emerged on the same day detectives and the two brothers testified before a grand jury. Smollett’s attorneys met with prosecutors and police, but it was unknown what they discussed or whether Smollett attended the meeting.

In a statement, attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson said Smollett “enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked”.

The announcement of the charges followed a flurry of activity in recent days, including lengthy police interviews of the brothers, a search of their home and their release after officers cleared them.

Smollett, who plays a gay character on the hit Fox television show Empire, said he was attacked as he was walking home at 2am from a downtown Subway sandwich place. He said the masked men beat him, made derogatory comments and yelled “This is Maga country”, an apparent reference to Trump’s campaign slogan, before fleeing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television issued a statement saying Smollett “continues to be a consummate professional on set” and that his character is not being written off the show. The series is shot in Chicago and follows a black family as they navigate the ups and downs of the recording industry.

Advertisement

The studio’s statement followed reports that Smollett’s role was being cut amid the police investigation.

After reviewing hundreds of hours of video, detectives did find and release images of two people they said they wanted to question and last week picked up the brothers at O’Hare airport as they returned from Nigeria. Police questioned the men and searched their apartment.

The brothers, who were identified by their attorney as Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, were held for nearly 48 hours on suspicion of assaulting Smollett.

Police said one of the men had appeared on Empire, and Smollett’s attorneys said one of the men is the actor’s personal trainer, whom he hired to help get him physically ready for a music video. The actor released his debut album, Sum of My Music, last year.

Smollett was charged by prosecutors, not the grand jury. The police spokesman said the brothers appeared before the panel to “lock in their testimony”.

Advertisement

Speaking outside the courthouse where the grand jury met, the brothers’ attorney said the two men testified for about two and a half hours.

“There was a point where this story needed to be told, and they manned up and they said we’re going to correct this,” Gloria Schmidt said. She said her clients did not care about a plea deal or immunity. “You don’t need immunity when you have the truth,” she said.

She also said her clients received money from Smollett, but she did not elaborate.

Source: The Guardian

Advertisement
Advertisement

Listen

“COVID-19” inspired my “Aseda”single – Michael K. Okyere recounts

Published

on

IMG 20240217 WA0046

Versatile musician Michael K. Okyere has recently released a single titled “Aseda,” which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article explores the meaning behind the song and how Okyere found inspiration during this challenging time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected people’s lives across the globe. From the devastating loss of lives to the economic downturn, it has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, many individuals have found solace and inspiration in unlikely places.

One such person is Michael K. Okyere, a talented and versatile musician known for his ability to captivate audiences with his unique fusion of various music genres. When the pandemic struck, Okyere found himself reflecting on the prevailing circumstances and sought a way to channel his emotions into his art.

The result was the creation of his latest single, “Aseda,” which means “thanks” in the Akan language spoken in Ghana, Okyere’s home country. The song serves as a tribute to the resilience and gratitude of individuals during these challenging times.

Okyere shares that “Aseda” was born out of his desire to express his deep appreciation for life and the strength of the human spirit. He witnessed people coming together, supporting each other, and finding joy in the simplest of things despite the hardships they faced. The song aims to inspire listeners to focus on gratitude and appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.

The upbeat and catchy melody of “Aseda” mirrors the message of hope and positivity that Okyere intends to convey. By merging traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary sounds, he manages to create a musical fusion that resonates with a wide audience. The song’s infectious energy invites listeners to immerse themselves in the celebration of life and their ability to overcome adversity.

While the pandemic has presented numerous challenges for musicians and artists, Okyere has channeled his creativity into creating meaningful and inspiring content. He believes that music has the power to uplift souls and connect people, even in the toughest of times.

Through “Aseda,” Michael K. Okyere hopes to remind listeners that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is still much to be grateful for. The song serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of gratitude in finding solace and joy even in challenging circumstances.

As an artiste, his ability to find inspiration in difficult times demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his commitment to spreading positivity through music. “Aseda” is a testament to his versatility and talent, showcasing his ability to merge different musical styles to create a vibrant and captivating masterpiece.

Enjoy the song below

https://youtu.be/vInPF-NKMic?si=mFS0mfw8CAX0YEtd

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Pizza Inn the Bridge at Adjiriganor is giving free Pizza Pies this Christmas season

Published

on

IMG 3079 scaled

Ghanaian Pizza brand, Pizza Inn has opened a new branch in East-Legon and has FREE pizza pies and more to share this christmas season. (more…)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Watch: Stonebwoy gives update on legal action against Kelvynboy

Published

on

stone

Dancehall act, Stonebwoy has hinted that his legal team is taking serious action against his former signee Kelvynboy for comments he made after he was attacked in Ashiaman recently. (more…)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Watch: Michael Blackson hosts AY Poyoyo on IG live: Snoop Dogg reacts

Published

on

Screenshot 2020 06 24 at 10.29.43

Internet sensation and “King of Gh Rap”, AY Poyoyo has caught the international audience with his unique style of music. (more…)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Justin Bieber denies sexual assault allegations, plans to take legal action

Published

on

bieber

Canadian singer, Justin Bieber has reacted to the sexual assault allegation made against him by a Twitter user identified simply as “Danielle” with evidence. (more…)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Arnold Asamoah Baidoo goes hard at eShun, labels her untrustworthy and a liar

Published

on

Screenshot 20200601 061932 PhotoGrid

Showbiz pundit, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo has articulated his disappointment at eShun’s actions as a professional artist over the years.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Trending