UPDATEDx2: Cops Say Jussie Smollett Contacted Brothers Via Text To Plan ‘Attack’

UPDATE 2: Documents from Jussie Smollett bond hearing on charges of felony disorderly conduct have revealed new details of preparation for his allegedly staged attack. TMZ reports that according to the prosecutors’ documents, Smollett texted Abel and Ola Osundairo on Jamuary 25th, four days before the incident took place, and hit Abel up saying, “Might need your help on the low. You around to meet up and talk face to face?”

Abel and Smollett were friends since fall of 2017, and Smollett had occasionally scored ecstasy off Abel. After they met up later that day, the two allegedly spoke in Smollett’s car about the staging of the attack and Abel’s brother Ola was brought in.

The details were provided by the brothers, who have been cooperating with authorities since being arrested late last week.

According to the report, the original plan would have seen Ola put the rope that was eventually purchased around Smollett’s next and pour gasoline on him while shouting, “This is MAGA country.” Smollett gave them $100 to buy what they needed and on January 27th they drove around Chicago to find a location. The place eventually chosen was near Smollett’s apartment and before the attack, the plan to use gasoline was switched to bleach for unknown reasons.

Police go on to say that Smollett and Abel spoke for three minutes about an hour before the call to determine the exact timing. They also reveal that they have surveillance video of the brothers waiting on a bench near the site because Smollett was late.

Smollett was arrested in Thursday after turning him in. He was released on bond and maintains his innocence.

UPDATE: Jussie Smollett spoke with the cast of Empire following his release and proclaimed his innocence, according to a report. TMZ reports that Smollett showed up to filming after his release, where the cast and crew had been waiting at least thirty minutes.

The site reports that Smollett, who looked as if he had been crying a lot, told the cast and crew, “I’m sorry I’ve put you all through this and not answered any calls. I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family. I swear to God, I did not do this.”

Smollett then left the set, eventually returning to film his scheduled scene.

ORIGINAL: Jussie Smollett has turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest early Thursday morning on charges of filing a false police report. TMZ reports that Smollett turned himself in at around 7 AM ET to Chicago police. He has since posted bond after his bail was set at $100,000 around noon.

Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct on Wednesday night, hours after he was labeled as a suspect in the incident. Police charged that the actor orchestrated his own assault and paid two men he was familiar with to carry out the assault, including buying items like rope and red hats that they could use to stage it as an attack by Donald Trump supporters.

The police superintendent said on Thursday morning that Smollett created the situation because he was “dissatisfied with his salary” on Empire, where he plays Jamal Lyons. He noted that the wounds were most likely self-inflicted.

The superintended expressed anger that Smollett used his trust within the African-American and LGBTQ communities for a “publicity stunt” and added that Smollett sent a “false letter,” which is likely the threat mailed to Fox Studios a week before the “assault.”

Smollett has been ordered to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions and is subject to pre-trial monitoring. Smollett told police during the arrest that he has a drug problem. He said he did not have alcohol or mental problems.

Among the conditions of his bail is that he have no contact with the brothers he paid to help him stage the assault or their family members.