By Tamlyn Canham
Jussie Smollett says he had a sexual relationship with one of the people prosecutors claim he was involved in a hate crime hoax with.
The former ‘Empire’ star made the claims while testifying on Monday. Police have accused Jussie of hiring brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, to attack him.
The actor made headlines in January 2019 when he claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago.
Jussie alleged at the time that the men wrapped a rope around his neck.
The suspects allegedly shouted: “This is MAGA country!”
MAGA, which stands for ‘Make America Great Again’, is a campaign slogan popularly used by former US president, Donald Trump.
Jussie also claimed the suspects said: “F****t Empire n*****r”.
A few days before the attack, Jussie said he received a threatening letter.
Police believe Jussie sent the letter to himself, and after conducting an investigation concluded that he staged the Chicago attack.
Two weeks after the attack, the police picked up the Osundairo brothers at the airport. After questioning the brothers, the police revealed that they had a cheque that Jussie used to pay them for carrying out the attack.
According to the cheque’s memo, the money was allegedly for a “5 week Nutrition/Workout program (Don’t Go)”.
Abimbola allegedly worked as Jussie’s nutritionist.
According to ABC News, Jussie was reportedly training for his ‘Don’t Go’ music video.
However, police believe the cheque was used as payment for the alleged hoax. Investigating officers claim Jussie staged the attack for publicity to increase his ‘Empire’ salary.
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Jussie Smollett’s relationship with Osundairo brothers
During his testimony on Monday, Jussie claimed that he visited gay bathhouses with Abimbola. He further alleged that they masturbated together and did drugs.
“We went alone, we got a private room again. We made out a little bit and this time we masturbated together,” the Daily Mail quoted Jussie as saying.
Abimbola admitted that they did go to bathhouses together but denied they had any type of sexual relationship.
Abimbola is said to have also worked as an extra on the ‘Empire’ set. Jussie started hanging out with Olabinjo as well but says he was creeped out by the man.
The brothers claim Jussie gave them a $100 bill to buy supplies for the attack.
Jussie’s lawyers insist the Chicago attack was real. His lawyers say the brothers made up the hoax claims as they have a personal vendetta against him.
Jussie’s lawyers also alleged that the brothers asked the actor to give them $1-million each not to testify at the trial.
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