Jussie Smollett's lawyers sued by brothers police said were paid to help stage attack
The two brothers who say Jussie Smollet hired them to orchestrate a fake hate crime are now suing the actor's lawyers for defamation.
Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit against the Empire star's legal team, per the Chicago Tribune. The complaint says that even after the charges against Smollet were dropped in March, his lawyers insisted publicly that the brothers led the attack, making these allegations "knowing they were untrue to distract from Mr. Smollet's farce and to promote themselves."
The brothers again allege in the suit that the attack was "a hoax entirely conceived and directed by Mr. Smollett," who "wanted his employer and the public to notice and appreciate him as a successful black, openly gay actor." It also claims the brothers have lost work as a result of the allegations from Smollet and his lawyers. Chicago police had previously accused Smollet of hiring the Osundairos to help him orchestrate the alleged hoax, while Smollet's lawyers said he only paid them to help him train for a music video.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Smollett had initially been indicted on 16 felony counts, but all charges against him were dropped in March. One of the prosecutors involved said he still didn't doubt that Smollett is guilty, though. Having maintained his innocence throughout, Smollett said after being cleared that he was "truthful and consistent on every single level since day one."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 17, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - political anxiety, jury sorting hat, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Arid Gulf states hit with year's worth of rain
Speed Read The historic flooding in Dubai is tied to climate change
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published