Detective: Brothers detailed how Jussie Smollett staged hoax

By DON BABWIN and SARA BURNETT
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — A lead investigator of an alleged attack on Jussie Smollett says two brothers arrested for the reported crime recounted for Chicago police how the ex-“Empire” actor orchestrated the elaborate hoax. Former Chicago police detective Michael Theis testified Tuesday at Smollett’s trial that the actor sent the men a text message about meeting “on the low,” paid for supplies they used in the staged attack and held a “dry run” near his downtown Chicago home. Jurors also were shown video of the brothers buying supplies, including a clothes line that was later fashioned into a noose. Smollett is charged with filing a false police report. Defense attorney Nenye Uche said Monday that Smollett is a “real victim” of a January 2019 attack.