Joe.My.God. LGBT News
CBS News Chicago reports:
Sources told CBS 2 News that Smollett paid the two men $3,500 to stage the attack in Streeterville. The brothers, seen on surveillance video near the scene of the alleged attack, told investigators Smollett directed them to buy the rope used in the incident, and paid for the purchase at Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in Ravenswood days before the incident.
The brothers, who were questioned by police last week before being released, were paid $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return. Sources said one of the brothers held the rope and poured bleach while the other wore a plain red hat and yelled slurs at Smollett.
The sources say the red hat was bought at an Uptown beauty supply store and that the attack was supposed to happen before Jan. 29. The brothers told detectives the three men rehearsed the attack days prior to it happening.
MULTIPLE SOURCES
Smollett upset at the reaction (or lack thereof) from others after receiving ‘threatening’ letter in mail prior to “attack”
Then concocted “attack.”
Feds investigating note
Brothers break their silence.Talking with me exclusively. https://t.co/0TtYH1awDE
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 18, 2019
The words in the letter Jussie received were crafted with letters cut out from magazine(s)
Racial and homophobic slurs directed at actor. “MAGA” on return address.
There was also a racist stick figure drawing with a gun pointing towards figure. https://t.co/0TtYH1awDE
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 18, 2019
During search of brothers home last week….
Some of items inventoried on police evidence logs show a “magazine, a wallet with stamps and piece of paper/writing were taken from home”https://t.co/0TtYH1awDE pic.twitter.com/jDQvzGADCg
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 18, 2019
I just spoke to Ola and Abel Osundairo on the phone. It was brief but they stressed the following.
“We are not racist. We are not homophobic. And we are not anti-Trump. We were born and raised in Chicago and are American citizens.”https://t.co/0TtYH1awDE
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 18, 2019