Jussie Smollett’s Alleged Hoax May Have Been Inspired By An Attack On Lee Daniels’ Gay Relative

Jussie Smollett may have gotten the idea to stage his own attack, not from an “Empire” script but from a story Lee Daniels shared about his own cousin being a victim of a hate crime. 

According to TMZ, some cast members of the Fox television show think Lee Daniels’ story about his cousin’s attack may have inspired Jussie. 

They seem to think there is a correlation- after Daniels posted a video on his Instagram on January 10th condemning homophobia, with a caption stating, “This past week my cousin was beat up for being gay, and I am sick of hearing these stories.” 

Sources claim soon after that post-Lee was on set sharing more details about the horrific story-leaving everyone very upset. 

This occurrence may have been what set off the idea in Smollett’s head to create a similar situation, in which he could ultimately set himself up as a hero for the LGBT community. 

The Chicago police still believe Jussie’s sole motive was money- the Chicago PD Superintendent says Jussie was frustrated with what he felt was his paltry salary. What’s interesting is that Lee Daniels is the guy who has a say in what the cast is paid. 

Cops say Jussie planned the attack, paid the two Nigerian brothers $3,500 (via personal check) and have charged him with felony disorderly conduct for the filing of the false police report. 

Jussie has already been wiped from the rest of the current season and if he is found guilty could face three years in prison for the alleged hoax.