Empire Star Jussie Smollett Is Now Suspected of Filing a False Police Report, Police Say

Empire actor Jussie Smollett is now a suspect in a criminal investigation for allegedly filing a false police report, Chicago police said Wednesday.

On Jan. 29, Smollett told police that he had been attacked by two men who beat him in a racist and homophobic attack. At one point, he said, one of the attackers shouted “this is MAGA country” and tied a rope around his neck.

His story resulted in an outpouring of support from Smollett's Empire co-stars and political leaders.

Empire actor Jussie Smollett is now a suspect in a criminal investigation for allegedly filing a false police report, Chicago police said Wednesday. On Jan. 29, Smollett told police that he had been attacked by two men who beat him in a racist and homophobic attack. At one point, he said, one of the attackers shouted “this is MAGA country” and tied a rope around his neck. His story resulted in an outpouring of support from Smollett's Empire co-stars and political leaders.