‘He called wolf’: Tyler Perry, Kamala Harris, more react to Jussie Smollett reportedly faking attack, threatening letter
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career" when he allegedly made a false police report about an attack in Chicago, the city's police superintendent said Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Smollett received overwhelming support on social media when news broke he was attacked by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him. Two posts of support came from the co-creators of “Empire,” Lee Daniels and Danny Strong.
» Celebrities tweet support to 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett after brutal attack
There is 0% truth that @JussieSmollett was going to be written off of Empire. This rumor is totally false. He is the third lead and one of the most beloved characters on the show. Writing him off the show has NEVER even been discussed.
— Danny Strong (@Dannystrong) February 15, 2019
» Police: 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett faked attack to 'promote his career'
» 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett turns self in on felony disorderly conduct charge
As a police investigation unfolded, however, that support waned. Some of those who initially backed the actor expressed their frustration and disappointment. Others were just angry.
Like most of you, I've seen the reports about Jussie Smollett, and I'm sad, frustrated, and disappointed. pic.twitter.com/91OHOymShi
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 21, 2019
That man is innocent until proven guilty. I stand by what I say always. I felt for him when the attack happened and the current reports have made me feel like I was being played. Straight up. https://t.co/yYv5Ne46mp
— O'Shea Jackson Jr #C-137 (@OsheaJacksonJr) February 21, 2019
I’ve been vocal about this situation & my love for Jussie & his entire family. I will continue to hope for the best for everyone involved as things continue to unfold. And I, like all of you, will watch them unfold. But believing victims is always the right choice. Always. ❤️
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) February 21, 2019
Donald J. Trump & Jussie Smollett are accused of doing the exact same thing. If proven true, both should be charged, convicted & sentenced. #JussieSmollett
— Morgan J. Freeman (@mjfree) February 21, 2019
I love you boo @JussieSmollett u have my love and support always 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/vikMjdvIgJ
— Debbie Mitchell (@Sweetp10000) February 20, 2019
Alot of people won't understand this but pray for @JussieSmollett........He made a huge mistake and he should apologize for it and take ownership of it but he is still human and full of flaws just like the rest of us.
— DLV302EastSide (@DLV302EastSide) February 21, 2019
@JussieSmollett turned himself in because there was a warrant... that doesn’t mean guilt... people are so quick to judge w/o having ALL THE FACTS!!... we weren’t there!! Regardless..I stand in support
— Brenda Bailey (@brenrn5) February 21, 2019
» Police dismiss tip Jussie Smollett, 2 brothers were in elevator with actor day of alleged attacked
» Brothers in Smollett case are bodybuilders, aspiring actors
President Donald Trump tweeted about Smollett shortly after the police news conference, prompting responses from MAGA supporters. But they weren’t the only ones to condemn the actor’s alleged actions.
.@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2019
Thank you, President Trump for speaking up on this disgraceful action by Mr. Smollett. We are endlessly unfairly maligned & attacked & there is no room in a civilized society for those who create hoaxes to stir up hatred against us for having a different political position.
— Linda Suhler, PhD (@LindaSuhler) February 21, 2019
Jussie Smollett should be sentenced to 3 months community service at the White House!
— Jacob Wohl (@JacobAWohl) February 21, 2019
He should mow the White House lawns and stop b*tching about only getting paid $20K per episode
Jussie Smollett can finally breathe a sigh of relief - his attacker has been arrested! 😄
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) February 21, 2019
This Jussie Smollett thing is mad annoying because he's so lovable....
— David Dizi (@LifeOfDizi) February 21, 2019
Why??????? pic.twitter.com/b2pZeD0dME
Creepy liar Jussie Smollett set up this ridiculous stunt to get lots of publicity. Congratulations, it worked! You are now front page news everywhere. He did have one big accomplishment, this time it was an American scamming Nigerians.
— MARK SIMONE (@MarkSimoneNY) February 21, 2019
This is just beyond me. Why? Why? WHY?! I really do not get it. @JussieSmollett needs to explain. He called wolf and what happens when something like this really does happen to someone who really does need help? So disappointed. https://t.co/ptEkhWoUae
— Niyah Gonzalez (@NGonzalezKETV) February 21, 2019
#Jussie’s chapter is terrible 4 people that have 2 deal w/ racial & #LGBT hate crimes. He’s has lots of work 2 do w/ his crisis team. The masses of sheep will forgive someone like Robert Downy Jr. or Charlie Sheen before him... they’re less forgiving of someone Gay & not white.
— Mark A. Roman (@MarkMetropolis) February 21, 2019
» Jussie Smollett attack developments leave some baffled, others outraged
MORE: AJC interview with Jussie Smollett
