FBI reportedly investigating Jussie Smollett over threatening letter

The FBI is currently investigating Jussie Smollett over reports he sent a threatening letter to himself.

According to ABC News, federal officials and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working together to look at the possibility that the Empire star, 36, played a role in sending the disturbing death threat that was addressed to him at the Fox Studios in Chicago.

The envelope, on which the sender was simply listed as “MAGA”, contained a note with magazine letters cut out to spell, “You will die black f–”, and was sent on Jan. 22.

Just eight days later, Smollett alleged he was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault, telling Chicago police officers that two men tied a rope noose around his neck and poured a bleach-like liquid over him.

Brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo were detained earlier this month (Feb19) and described as “potential suspects”, however, they were released without charge the following day.

The letter is currently in the FBI crime lab for analysis, a source told ABC News. The Osundairo brothers claimed they helped Smollett concoct the alleged assault after he became upset that the threatening letter did not get enough attention.

According to sources close to the investigation, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo have also told investigators that Smollett paid them to help him orchestrate and stage the brutal attack outside his Chicago apartment building.

No one has been charged in connection with the case.

A spokesperson for the actor and singer’s attorneys are keeping an “active dialogue” going with the police, but he has so far refused to be questioned further by detectives.

This Week's Flyers

