Police: “No evidence to say that this is a hoax”
Chicago police have arrested two men who are considered potential suspects in the January 29 homophobic and racist attack on “Empire” star Jussie Smollett, according to ABC News.
“Detectives have probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime and we are working to corroborate the allegations and investigative timeline as our investigation continues,” police said.
Chicago police acknowledged the two suspects “have a relationship with” Smollett. One reportedly had previously appeared on “Empire.”
“Police can detain the potential suspects for an additional 24 hours past the 48 hour holding period under special circumstances, but it must go through the prosecutors office and has to be clear process,” police told ABC News.
Rumors have swirled that Smollett might have faked the attack that drew national attention. He strongly disputed those claims in an interview with ABC News that aired Thursday morning.
Police Friday “shut down any reports that there was evidence to classify the alleged attack as a hoax.”
“While we haven’t found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is also no evidence to say that this is a hoax,” police told ABC News. “The alleged victim is being cooperative at this time and continues to be treated as a victim, not a suspect.”
Smollett says his attackers yelled pro-“MAGA” slurs at him, tied a noose around his neck, poured bleach over him, beat him, and fractured one of his ribs.
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