Empire actor Jussie Smollett, upset after a racist letter sent to the show’s studio didn’t get a “bigger reaction,” is suspected of paying two men to attack him a week later, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation. “When the letter didn’t get enough attention, he concocted the staged attack,” a source said. (CBS Chicago)
The letter apparently contained white powder and had “MAGA” written on the outside of it, along with racial and homophobic slurs. (Mediaite)
Smollett had no plans to meet with Chicago police Monday, a representative for the actor said, even after police announced they hope to talk to the actor again about the attack. (Chicago Tribune)
Two suspects were arrested in the case, but they were later freed. Police said the “trajectory” of the investigation had shifted but offered no specifics. (THR)
Smollett has publicly expressed outrage at speculation that he may have set up the attack, including a lengthy interview with Good Morning America host Robin Roberts during which he called out “haters” who doubted his account of what happened. Smollett has acknowledged that one of the two men interviewed by police had served as his physical trainer. (Chicago Sun-Times)