We’re getting mixed messages this evening from within the Chicago PD.
A few minutes ago ABC 7 in Chicago reported that police are now investigating whether Smollett staged the attack because his character has been written off the show Empire:
#BREAKING Chicago police investigating whether #JussieSmollet staged attack, possibly because he was being written off #Empire https://t.co/USdgJNmty8
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) February 15, 2019
Here’s more:
Chicago police confirmed Thursday that detectives are talking to two persons of interest in connection with the alleged attack on “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett.
Multiple sources have told ABC7 Eyewitness News that police are investigating whether Smollett and the two men staged the attack allegedly because Smollett was being written off of “Empire.”
A source familiar with the investigation told the ABC7 I-Team that Smollett failed to appear for an interview with detectives earlier Thursday.
A source briefed on the Smollett investigation confirmed to ABC News that Chicago police are questioning the two persons of interest — one of whom has appeared on “Empire.”
The law enforcement official also told ABC News that the homes of the persons of interest were raided Wednesday night. Police removed shoes, electronic devices and other items they believe could help them determine if the two people played any role in the assault from those homes.
But the police superintendent quickly refuted it…
Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019
So make of this what you will. But it sounds like to me the Chicago PD are hot on Smollett’s tail for staging this and the police superintendent doesn’t want to substantiate these leaks because they haven’t charged anyone yet.
Stay tuned…