Reporter Rob Elgas, a local Chicago reporter who has been following the Smollett case since the beginning, said the “persons of interest” were picked up at O’Hare last night and there will be information released by police very soon.
In the meantime, Ben Bradley, NBC News, reports that the men are African-American and at least one is connected to the ‘Empire’ show. That makes the information from 35th Ward that it was likely staged seem very plausible.
Smollett’s story is reportedly falling apart and he probably just gave a fake interview to ABC News.
John Ziegler of Mediaite says: Smollett got into a fight with a man he was dating & cheated on, and a friend of that lover. He then concocted the MAGA/Hate-crime cover story & fingered them on GMA, unaware the police knew who they are.
If true, he needs to be arrested and fined. Smollett should pay for the twelve detectives and FBI agent who worked on his case instead of on real crimes.
THE TWEETS
.@WGNInvestigates has learned new details about the two men police are questioning about Jussie Smollett’s claim he was the victim of a racial & homophobic attack:
1) Both men are African-American
2) At least 1 of them is connected to the “Empire” showLatest on @WGNNews at 4p pic.twitter.com/Xw7aBHjh5M
— Ben Bradley (@BenBradleyTV) February 14, 2019
Well, here’s this from @CWBChicago . Their reporting has been very detailed from the beginning. If this is in fact true – it’s a quite a story.
Indicates the whole thing is staged: pic.twitter.com/O5CN1nh8wm
— 35th Ward (@35thW) February 14, 2019
Current behind the scenes CW from those involved in the Jussie Smollett case:
Smollett got into fight with a man he was dating & cheated on, and a friend of that lover. He then concocted the MAGA/Hate-crime cover story & fingered them on GMA, unaware the police knew who they are
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) February 14, 2019
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This Jussie Smollett scenario, a total hoax, is also seen as possible…
Bottomline: There is extreme confidence among those involved that his story as told on GMA is no longer tenable and is collapsing. https://t.co/UOZqTM5f6x
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) February 14, 2019
NEW: @ABC7Chicago has confirmed the persons of interest in the Jussie Smollett case were picked up at O’Hare airport last night.
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 14, 2019
Our sources are also saying progress is being made in the Smollett case. https://t.co/U7RKTIUz31
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 14, 2019
UPDATED REPORTS
Sources: Police investigating whether Smollett staged attack with help of others https://t.co/WOIO1OLnXd via @abc7chicago
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) February 15, 2019
Rob Elgas reported this evening that Smollett was going to be written out of the series and that was the reason for the staged attack, but Fox came out in support of Smollett and denied the report.
Elgas also said Smollett didn’t show for an interview with police, but police said he did show for the interview.
BREAKING: Multiple soucres tell @ABC7Chicago Eyewitness News Jussie Smollet and the 2 men who are being questioned by police staged the attack – allegedly because his character was being written out of the show Empire.
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 15, 2019
NEW: 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment say
“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of EMPIRE is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 15, 2019
Chicago police chief Eddie Johnson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and Smollett is still considered a victim.
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