Chicago police are investigating whether “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett paid two brothers to stage an attack on the actor in the Streeterville neighborhood late last month, according to a law enforcement source.
Detectives are following up on information provided by the brothers while they were in custody for two days last week, the source said.
Investigators also have been given new details about the rope that Smollett said was made into a noose and placed around his neck as he walked toward his apartment in the 300 block of East North Water Street, the source said.
Detectives had been searching area retailers to find the source of the rope but the new information allowed them to narrow their search and find where it was sold, the source said.
The brothers, 25 and 27, were released without charges late Friday, 12 hours after police had called them “possible suspects.”
Detectives still need to verify their stories and the investigation was continuing. Chicago police announced Saturday that investigators hope to interview Smollett soon.
The actor issued a strongly worded statement late Saturday insisting the attack happened.
“Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” read the statement from his attorneys. “He has been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth.”
The statement said one of the brothers was Smollett’s personal trainer, the first time he has acknowledged knowing either of them. The two also reportedly worked with Smollett on “Empire.”
A representative for the Fox network, which produces and airs the show, had no comment.
Efforts to reach the brothers were unsuccessful.