Jussie Smollett’s camp reportedly isn’t happy with what they view as dishonest stories about the actor’s attack in January, TMZ writes.
Sources told the outlet the media has misjudged a text message Smollett sent to Abel Osundairo days prior to the incident. The text read, “Might need your help on the low. You around to meet up and talk face to face?”
According to the sources, Smollett asserts the text wasn’t related to a fake attack. He said he was asking about an herbal steroid that’s illegal in the U.S. and that Abel could buy in Nigeria. Sources note that Abel searched for “banned supplements” and “steroids” on Google after receiving the text.
Smollett's camp points to other text messages as proof the attack was real. Abel texted Jussie hours after the alleged attack became public, writing, “Bruh say it ain't true. I'm praying for speedy recovery. Shit is wild.” But, according to sources, the media still made it look like Smollett and Abel were conspiring together. TMZ insiders said after the incident, Smollett told Abel authorities would be calling him to verify the timeline.
More than that, Smollett’s team is troubled that the Police Superintendent, who alleged Smollett's injuries were self-inflicted, also claimed Jussie didn’t say anything to the doorman when he arrived home after the incident. But Smollett’s people say the doorman referred to cuts on his face, to which Jussie said, “I was just jumped.”
The media also upset Smollett's camp when they got on him for his original statement, where he said his attackers were white. Jussie’s team points to a security guard from a nearby hotel who saw the alleged assailants fleeing from the scene in ski masks. The guard took a look at one of them with his flashlight and told the cops the person was white.
A video has also surfaced that appears to show Smollett walking past the Osundairos prior to the attack. TMZ also adds, “Jussie's camp says the new footage is edited together and doesn't have a time stamp. They point out at no time do you see them on camera passing each other.” TMZ adds its own note stating its confidence in the footage, embedded below.
