Jussie Smollett Correction: Records Show Osundairo Brother, Not Actor, Was Googling News Of Alleged Attack
Editor's Note/Correction:
In the days after Jussie Smollett said he was the victim of a racially motivated attack, there was a spike in interest in his story.
Earlier this week, the Chicago Police Department released thousands of investigative files related to the case. Among the documents is an extensive online search history with a hand written note on top of several pages.
The notation was made by a member of the Chicago Police Department and reads "Smollett Search."
The search history reveals "Jussie Smollett" was searched more than 50 times in the days following the reported attack. CBS 2 initially reported that Smollett searched himself. However, after questions were raised by Smollett's attorney, we have verified that the search results are from one of the Osundairo brothers.
On January 29 Chicago police opened a hate crime investigation after Smollett said he was attacked near his Chicago apartment. According to police, Smollett said two men approached him around 2 a.m., shouted "racial and homophobic slurs," poured an "unknown chemical substance" on him and wrapped a noose around his neck.
Police later said that Smollett staged the attack with two brothers, Ola and Abel Osundairo, and charged him with filing a false police report. Those charges were later dropped by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx.
On Monday, video for the first time showed Smollett with a noose around his neck as police entered Smollett's downtown apartment. He is seen in a red and white sweater with the rope around his neck. He told investigators he kept the rope there to show them evidence of a racially motivated attack.
As the officers arrive, Smollett removes the rope and says, "There's bleach on me." A few seconds later he asks police to turn off the body cam.
Chicago police also obtained text messages between the brothers and Smollett, including one that apparently ignited the plan.
"Might need your help on the low," Smollett texted. "You around to meet up and talk face to face?"
After the attack, Abel Osundairo texted Smollett, expressing sympathy as news began to spread
"Bruh say it ain't true. I'm praying for a speedy recovery. Sh** is wild."