Actor Smollett indicted on 16 counts stemming from reported attack

The actor, who is black and gay, told police in late January that he was attacked because of his sexuality by two men in downtown Chicago who wrapped a rope around his neck.

Jussie Smollett leaves George N Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago last month. A grand jury has indicted the

Jussie Smollett leaves George N Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago last month. A grand jury has indicted the "Empire" actor on 16 felony counts. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski, File)

A grand jury in Chicago has indicted “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett on 16 felony counts related to making a false report that he was attacked by two men in Chicago.

The Cook County grand jury indictment filed Thursday charges him with falsely reporting an offense — eight counts for what he told a police officer and eight more for what he told a detective.

In the indictment, the grand jury makes it clear that Smollett added details to his account of what happened Jan. 29 when he talked to the detective.

The actor, who is black and gay, gave a basic version to the police officer that included allegations that he was beaten by two masked men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Smollett said he could see from the skin around one of the attacker’s eyes through the mask that he was white, according to the indictment. He also said that the attackers looped a rope around his neck.

Police say that in fact, the two men who have admitted taking part in the staged attack are both black.

Smollett has denied that he staged the attack.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal