As police began to suspect that Jussie Smollett’s story was fishy, the big question was why. Why would a successful actor make up such a heinous story? Some people suspected perhaps the motive was political, but Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says it’s much more self-serving than that (watch above). He said Smollett was a man trying to boost his profile and somehow, in turn, get a salary increase. If the accusations are true, it is a bizarre, misguided tale. As Johnson put it, “Why would anyone — especially an African-American man — use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?”

Johnson went on to say, “Bogus police reports cause real harm. They do harm to every legitimate victim who’s in need of support by police and investigators.”

The backlash against Smollett extends all the way to the White House.

Meanwhile, the Huffington Post reports:

Smollett was paid $65,000 per episode for his co-starring role in the most recent season of “Empire,” a well-placed source told HuffPost. On average, there are 18 episodes of “Empire” per season. 

https://twitter.com/theGrio/status/1098606284910325762

Smollett turned himself in early Thursday morning. A judge later set bail at $100,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport.