Charlie De Mar is a journalist at Chicago’s CBS affiliate.
CBS2, Chicago:
The Osundairos were arrested last week, but later released without charges.
Sources have said the two brothers told police they helped stage the attack with Smollett. They said they were paid $3,500 to pour a chemical on the actor, and place a rope around his neck, while yelling racist and homophobic slurs.
Two sources said they used a ride share vehicle to get to the Streeterville neighborhood, and were caught on camera appearing nervous.
Sources say at least one of the brothers bought the rope used in the incident at Smollett’s request. The sources also say Smollett paid for the rope, which was purchased at the Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in the Ravenswood neighborhood the weekend of Jan. 25.
Sources said one of the brothers held the rope and poured bleach while the other wore a plain red hat and yelled slurs at Smollett.
Smollett has denied staging the incident.
Filing a false police report can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If a misdemeanor, jail time of up to a year can result. If charged as a felony, jail time of more than a year and substantial fines may be levied.
Wow. This is Pandora’s box. Whatever could have been Smollett’s motivation? Or, is this story going to get more elaborate still, and this is a frame up, worthy of a Hollywood script? No pat answers here.
To receive articles of mine not published elsewhere become a patron on Patreon.
Please follow me on Twitter @ursulafaw56
[cross-posted to PolitiZoom]