As we told you earlier this morning, Jussie Smollett turned himself in and was placed under arrest by Chicago police. Chicago PD later held a press conference to update the media, and Chicago PD Supt. Eddie Johnson opened things up with some harsh criticism for Smollett.
CPD is not happy. Eddie Johnson is not playing. #JussieSmollett
— Mickey White (@BiasedGirl) February 21, 2019
Chicago PD is obviously NOT thrilled with Smollett’s stunt(s), and Johnson also provided some new details:
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson: "I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention, because that's who really deserves the amount of attention that we're giving to this particular incident." https://t.co/5AiMcfe6iH pic.twitter.com/Xy5yYUTTJg
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019
JUST IN: "'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Chicago PD Superintendent Eddie Johnson says. https://t.co/5AiMcfe6iH pic.twitter.com/nOOhk0e8YD
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Smollett arrest: "Bogus police reports cause real harm. They do harm to every legitimate victim who's in need of support by police." https://t.co/d7l0Zfudcc pic.twitter.com/Hj4kgd7M6T
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019
JUST IN: Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson: Jussie Smollett "paid $3,500 to stage this attack…The stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary." https://t.co/5AiMcfe6iH pic.twitter.com/0za7CEbVtv
— ABC News (@ABC) February 21, 2019
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Johnson “Why would anyone especially an African American man use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?”
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 21, 2019
Supt. Eddie Johnson: I've lived in the city of Chicago my entire life. We just don't have any room for hatred in this city. To be used for personal gain is "shameful." #JussieSmollett @ABC7Chicago
— Mark Rivera ABC7 (@MarkRiveraABC7) February 21, 2019
Johnson also indicated that police believe the threatening letter Smollett said he received previously was also fake:
Superintendent Eddie Johnson says “First, Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic and political language”. This is the FIRST public acknowledgment the threat letter might also be a hoax.
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) February 21, 2019
In a tough statement, Chicago police chief Eddie Johnson tells the press that Jesse Smollett’s earlier racist letter was also bogus. He further says Smollett felt he was not being paid enough.
— Brit Hume (@brithume) February 21, 2019
Wow. Smollett has gotten himself into a lot of hot water.