The Nigerian brothers accused of faking a racist and homophobic attack on Empire actor Jussie Smollett say they “regret their involvement.” Abel, 25, and Ola Osundairo, 27, released an apologetic statement through their lawyer. They claimed to feel “tremendous regret” for their involvement in the alleged staged attack.
They Offered Their Sympathies
They went on to offer their sympathies to minorities and real victims of hate crimes. Actor and musician Smollett has been criminally charged for filing a false police report. The Class 4 felony carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.
The brothers’ lawyer Gloria Schmidt said in statement: “My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves.”
Chicago police and prosecutors believe Smollett paid the brothers $3,500 in the form of a personal check to beat him up. The attack took place in the Streeterville neighborhood near his apartment on January 29. Smollett claimed his attackers beat him up, racially abused him, tied a noose around his neck and poured bleach on him. The actor also claimed they shouted “This is MAGA country!”
