Jussie Smollett is angry that people don’t believe the “truth” about him being attacked.
The “Empire” actor was subjected to a “possible hate crime” last month, when two assailants allegedly hurled homophobic abuse before punching him, pouring an unknown chemical substance over him. The alleged attackers then put a rope around his neck, simulating a noose. Not only is Smollett still angry about what happened to him, but he is also annoyed that there have been so many false rumors surrounding the incident.
Speaking out for the first time in a preview of his upcoming interview on “Good Morning America,” he fumed, “I’m p—– off.”
Asked why by host Robin Roberts, he replied, “It’s the attackers, but it’s also the attacks. It’s not that you don’t believe this is the truth; you don’t want to see this is the truth.
“It’s like, you know, at first, it was a thing of, like, ‘Listen, if I tell the truth then that’s it because it’s the truth.’ Then it became a thing of like, ‘Oh, how can you doubt that? Like, how do you — how do you not believe that? It’s the truth.’ “
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the 36-year-old star — who was on the phone with his manager at the time of the attack — defended him after it was claimed he had turned over his phone records to police. However, they were limited and heavily redacted, so they did not “meet the burden for a criminal investigation.”
The actor’s representative insisted he had been as cooperative as possible.
They said in a statement: “Jussie has voluntarily provided his phone records from within an hour of the attack and given multiple statements to police.
“Chicago PD has repeatedly informed us that they find Jussie’s account of what happened that night consistent and credible. Superintendent Johnson has been clear from day one that Jussie is a victim.
“We are continuing to work closely with the Chicago PD and remain confident that they will find Jussie’s attackers and bring them to justice. Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief, and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.
“With Love, respect & honor…Jussie (sic).”
