Life is getting much harder for actor Jussie Smollett. Now that he has been arrested for staging what appears to be a hate crime hoax, he has been dropped by his TV show “Empire.”
Deadline Hollywood reports:
Jussie Smollett Cut From ‘Empire’ Episodes As Attack Probe Continues
As the Chicago police investigation into what really happened to Jussie Smollett in the alleged assault last month intensifies its focus on the Empire actor, the Fox drama is cutting the performer out of the action.
Deadline has confirmed with well placed sources that Smollett’s scenes in episodes of the Lee Daniels and Danny Strong co-created series are being slashed for production on Empire this week.
While the show is back at work today in the Windy City after the long weekend, Smollett will be a rare presence on the set of the Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard led show.
The actor has also been absent as Chicago PD request another interview with him. As Smollett himself has become the subject of deeper inquiry into the supposed assault that occurred in the early hours of January 29, detectives want to know more about the actor’s version of what happened that day on the streets of Chicago and any possible knowledge he may have to indicate the incident could have been preplanned.
Smollett has reacted to this news in a way that is so typical that it has become a stereotype. He is now claiming he was a drug problem.
Complex reports:
Jussie Smollett Reportedly Told Cops He Has an Untreated Drug Problem
Jussie Smollett reportedly told authorities he is suffering from an untreated drug problem.
According to TMZ, the 36-year-old actor made the claim Thursday, after surrendering to police on a felony count of disorderly conduct for filing a false report. The outlet points out that this detail may be relevant to the case, as Smollett is believed to have purchased drugs from one of the brothers who allegedly helped him stage a phony hate crime.
Prosecutors said they have reviewed text messages indicating Abel Osundairo had sold Smollett “designer drugs” several times since spring 2018. TMZ notes that if the Empire star is convicted, he could use his alleged substance abuse problem as a “mitigating factor” in his sentencing.
Legal documents also show Smollett answered “no” when asked if he had any alcohol or mental health problems.
In reality, Smollett has a bigger problem than drugs.
Since he may have mailed a powdery substance to himself before the staged physical attack, he may face federal charges and that means likely jail time.
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