Jussie Smollett’s Mugshot Released; Chicago Police Says the Actor Lied about Racist Attack as He Was Upset with His Salary on Empire

Jussie Smollett has a whole new set of problems to deal with. The actor, known for his role on the TV show, Empire, has been arrested by the Chicago Police for allegedly lying about a racist attack that he said he was subjected to over a month ago. The alleged racist attack in question had invited international criticism, with celebs like Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas and John Legend tweeting for Jussie. Though, the story took a whole new turn when Chicago Police Department suspected that Jussie might have staged the attack on him. He was arrested earlier in the day after charges were filed on him by the prosecutor.

Jussie, 36, had said that his assailants referenced Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan as he was attacked in the Streeterville neighbourhood of the city. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson talked about the arrest during a press conference. He said that he wished victims of gun violence in America got as much attention as Jussie's case did.

Chicago Police Department also released the mugshot of Jussie Smollett following his arrest. The police added that Jussie lied about the attack as a PR stunt. The actor was upset with his salary on the TV show Empire and needed popularity to demand more money. 

If convicted, Jussie faces up to three years in prison. He will also be made to pay the cost of the police investigation. Following the charges, Smollett's lawyers issued a statement saying they would defend the charge. "Like any other citizen, 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," it read.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2019 10:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).