Jussie Smollett footage released

Warning.

Chicago Police have released footage from the Jussie Smollett hoax case on, including one that shows the former Empire actor shortly after the alleged attack.

Police body-cam footage shows authorities entering Smollett’s apartment and finding him with ropes strung around his neck, which he claims were placed by the attackers. When officers ask him if he wants to take the rope off his neck, he obliges, but says he “just wanted you all to see it.”

“There’s bleach on me, they poured bleach on me,” he adds.

After police confirm they’re recording,  he replies “I don’t want to be filmed,” and officers agree to turn off the cameras.

Smollett claimed to have been assaulted by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him, but the charges were later dropped.

The city of Chicago is also pursuing the actor in civil court to recoup the $130,000 overtime cost stemming from the investigation. US President Donald Trump also said he will have the FBI and the Justice Department review the case.

Empire co-creator Lee Daniels has confirmed Smollett is not returning to the drama, which was renewed for a final season.

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Source: Variety