Jussie Smollett is now “officially classified” as a suspect in a criminal investigation for allegedly filing a false police report.

According to a tweet from Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, this is a Class 4 felony and detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County grand jury.

If the 36-year-old “Empire” actor is charged, he could face one to three years in prison.

Smollett filed a report with the Chicago Police Department on Jan. 29 claiming that he was assaulted by two masked men. They hurled racist and homophobic slurs, poured an unknown chemical substance on him, and put a noose around his neck.

Two brothers, Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo, were questioned by police, claiming Smollett staged the “attack” and paid them $3,500. The men are cooperating with law enforcement and records show they purchased the rope found around Smollett’s neck at a hardware store in Chicago.

Smollett’s attorneys met with Cook County prosecutors on Wednesday, according to Chicago Police spokesman Tom Ahern.

The actor, who plays Jamal Lyon on “Empire,” has denied allegations that he orchestrated the attack. “As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” Smollett’s attorneys said in a statement.

20th Century Fox Television, which produces “Empire,” has also denied reports that he is being written off the series. “Jussie Smollett continues to be a consummate professional on set and as we have previously stated, he is not being written out of the show,” said Fox in a statement.

Source: Rap-Up.com

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