Chicago Police now believe Jussie Smollett orchestrated his assault by paying two men, according to new information provided by law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation.
The brothers, Abimbolya ‘Abel’ and Olabinjo ‘Ola’ Osundairo, who were arrested Wednesday, were released without charges Friday after Chicago police discovered “new evidence.” Reportedly, the two men are cooperating fully with law enforcement at this time.
Sources told CNN that records show the two brothers purchased the rope found around Smollett’s neck at an Ace Hardware store in Chicago.
The new information comes just days after Smollett gave his first detailed account of the alleged hate crime against him, in an interview with “Good Morning America,” where he expressed his frustration at not being believed.
Update 10:48 p.m. : Jussie Smollett’s Attorney releases a statement:
“He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”
