Make wishtv.com your home page

Sources: Police believe ‘Empire’ actor orchestrated his own attack

(CNN) — New evidence suggests actor Jussie Smollett orchestrated his own attack.

That’s according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation.

The sources told CNN that Chicago police believe Smollett paid two men to orchestrate the assault.

The “Empire” star said he was attacked on Jan. 29 by two men who were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs.” 

He said one attacker put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.

Two brothers were arrested Wednesday then released without charges Friday after Chicago police cited the discovery of “new evidence.” 

The sources told CNN the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement. 

Smollett gave his first detailed account of what he says was a hate crime against him, and the aftermath, in an interview with “Good Morning America” that aired Thursday. During the interview, he expressed frustration at not being believed.      

CNN’s attempts to reach both Smollett’s representative and attorney on Saturday were unsuccessful.