"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career" when he allegedly made a false police report about an attack in Chicago, the city's police superintendent said Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Smollett received overwhelming support on social media when news broke he was attacked by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him. Two posts of support came from the co-creators of “Empire,” Lee Daniels and Danny Strong.
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As a police investigation unfolded, however, that support waned. Some of those who initially backed the actor expressed their frustration and disappointment. Others were just angry.
» Police dismiss tip Jussie Smollett, 2 brothers were in elevator with actor day of alleged attacked
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President Donald Trump tweeted about Smollett shortly after the police news conference, prompting responses from MAGA supporters. But they weren’t the only ones to condemn the actor’s alleged actions.
» Jussie Smollett attack developments leave some baffled, others outraged
MORE: AJC interview with Jussie Smollett
