Smollett attack probe takes another turn

CHICAGO — Attorneys for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett say there are no plans for him to meet with Chicago detectives Monday for a follow-up interview about his reported assault, while the entire incident is coming under scrutiny.

A spokeswoman for Smollett’s lawyers said in an emailed statement that his lawyers “will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf.”

Smollett reported last month that he was physically attacked by two men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs, and yelled he was in “MAGA Country,” an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.

Police now are investigating whether Smollett paid two men to stage the incident, according to a law enforcement source.

Detectives are following up on information provided by the two men, brothers from Nigeria, while they were in custody for two days last week, the source said.

Investigators also have been given new details about the rope that Smollett said was made into a noose and placed around his neck, the source said. Detectives had been searching area retailers to find the source of the rope but the new information allowed them to narrow their search and find where it was sold, the source said.

The brothers, 25 and 27, were released without charges late Friday, 12 hours after police had called them “possible suspects.”

Smollett’s lawyers say the actor feels “victimized” by reports that he played a role in the assault. In a statement Saturday, they said one of the brothers was Smollett’s personal trainer, the first time he has acknowledged knowing either of them. The two also reportedly worked with Smollett on “Empire.”

Smollett