The brothers who allegedly helped Jussie Smollett stage a hate crime against himself are suing the former Empire actor’s lawyers for defamation, Reuters reports.
Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo claimed that Smollett’s attorneys, Mark Geragos and Tina Glandian, continued to falsely accuse them of attacking the actor even after the Chicago police had closed their investigation and concluded that Smollett had orchestrated the attack. Smollett claimed two white men beat him, doused him in bleach and wrapped a noose around his neck.
Related stories
Jussie Smollett’s Alleged Accomplices Sue Actor’s Lawyers for Defamation
City of Chicago Files Civil Complaint Against Jussie Smollett for Investigation Costs
In their lawsuit, the Osundairos echoed the police’s conclusion: “He wanted his employer and the public to notice and appreciate him as a successful black, openly gay actor,” the lawsuit read. “Smollett directed every aspect of the attack, including the location and the noose.” The Osundairo brothers are seeking unspecified damages.