CHICAGO — 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett has been indicted on 16 counts in connection to an alleged attack in Chicago.
Smollett, who is black and gay, told police he was the victim of a hate crime committed by men who threw liquid in his face, yelled racist, anti-gay slurs and looped a noose around his neck. After a three-week investigation, Smollett was accused of staging the attack with help from two brothers he knew and allegedly paid for their services.
#BREAKING: Jussie Smollett indicted on 16 felony counts in connection with alleged attack in Chicago https://t.co/rBEagqTUMU pic.twitter.com/JpQvXDFKMF
— NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) March 8, 2019
According to WBBM-TV, Smollett is scheduled to be arraigned March 14. The charges are Class 4 felonies.
Police said he recruited the two men to stage the attack because he was upset with his pay on the Fox show. Smollett has denied playing a role in the attack.
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