Jussie Smollett Staged Attack Because He Was 'Dissatisfied With His Salary,' Police Say Earlier this month, Smollett br claimed he was attacked by two br men in an apparent hate crime. Allegations recently surfaced that br Smollett staged the attack. The 'Empire' actor br turned himself in br Thursday morning br and is currently br in police custody. During a press conference on Thursday, br Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson confirmed br that Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to attack him. Eddie Johnson, Chicago police superintendent Eddie Johnson, Chicago police superintendent Smollett has been charged with a br class four felony for filing a false police report, br which is punishable by one to three years. A bail hearing is br expected to commence at br 1:30 p.m. CST on Thursday.