Justin Smollett (born June 21, 1982), better known as Jussie Smollett (/ˈdʒʌsi smʌˈlɛt/ JUSS-ee ), is an American actor and singer. He began his career as a child actor in 1987 starring in commercials and films, including The Mighty Ducks (1992) and Rob Reiner's North (1994). In 2015, Smollett attracted attention and received a highly positive critical reception for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire (2015). Smollett has also appeared in Ridley Scott's science fiction film Alien: Covenant (2017) as Ricks and in Marshall (2017) as Langston Hughes. On January 29, 2019, Smollet reported to Chicago police that he was assaulted in a hate crime. On February 20, Smollett was indicted for disorderly conduct for allegedly staging the attack and filing a false police report. Police alleged that he intended to further his career by tying the incident to racism in the United States and Donald Trump.On January 29, 2019, Smollett alleged that he was attacked in the 300 block of East Lower North Water Street in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, in what was initially investigated as a hate crime. Unnamed police sources later alleged Smollett orchestrated the attack. Smollett told police that he was attacked outside his apartment building by two white men in ski masks who called him racial and homophobic slurs, and said "This is MAGA country," referencing President Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again" and used their hands, feet, and teeth as weapons in the assault. According to a statement released by the Chicago Police Department, the two suspects then "poured an unknown liquid" on Smollett and put a noose around his neck. Smollett said that he fought them off. Smollett was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital; not seriously injured, he was released "in good condition" later that morning. The police were called after 2:30 AM; when they arrived around 2:40 AM, Smollett had a white rope around his neck. Smollett said that the attack may have been motivated by his criticism of the Trump administration. Smollett has hired crisis manager Chris Bastardi to represent him. Upcoming episodes of Empire have been rewritten to reduce Smollett’s role.
