After appearing in court Thursday afternoon and being released on a $100,000 bond Jussie Smollett headed over to the set of “Empire” where he was schedule to shoot a scene.
According to TMZ Smollett apologized to the cast and crew – but not for faking a hate crime, which is what Chicago Police earlier in the day insisted he did.
“I’m sorry I’ve put you all through this and not answered any calls,” Smollett said, TMZ reports. “I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family.”
“I swear to God, I did not do this,” Smollett, who was described as “emotional,” reportedly told the crew.
Smollett then left, and returned later to shoot his scene.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Thursday morning told reporters Smollett staged a hoax hate crime assault “to further his own public profile,” and because he was “dissatisfied” with his salary.
Johnson had strong words against Smollett, saying he “took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.”
Smollett surrendered to police early Thursday morning, was arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct,” for allegedly filing a false police report.
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