Family ties

Jussie Smollett’s siblings spring to actor’s defense, quoting Malcom X

Actor Jussie Smollett and his family

In a story that gets more unbearable to follow by the second, Empire actor and accused hate crime hoaxter Jussie Smollett’s siblings have taken to Instagram to blame the media for their brother’s current predicament.

The out performer’s sister Jurnee Smollett-Bell and brother Jocqui Smollett both posted strong defenses of Jussie, using a modified quote from Malcolm X to push back on the idea that their brother is to blame for his alleged attack.

“This is the media, the irresponsible media. It will make the criminal look like he’s the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal,” the post, which was shared before Jussie was indicted by a grand jury, begins.

“If you aren’t careful, the media will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”

View this post on Instagram

#Repost @mediabelying ??? #JussieSmollett

A post shared by Jocqui Smollett (@jocquismollett) on

In another post from Jacqui containing a tweet from a fan, they speculate: “I have a feeling even if we had video of Jussie Smollett being attacked…y’all would still discredit him. Because it’s easier to believe what aligns with your contempt for survivors of hate crimes, sexual abuse, etc who happen to be LGBTQ+, disabled, or women.”

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#Repost @gi0nni

A post shared by Jocqui Smollett (@jocquismollett) on

Of course, if it turns out to be true that Smollett did indeed pay the men $3,500 to stage the attack, a video of the incident wouldn’t do much to prove his case.

In another share, Jacqui urged people to think for themselves by reposting another fan’s comment. It reads: “Remember to THINK, check your own prejudice, and truly inform yourself before jumping to conclusions and spreading untruths, saying things you’ll regret, and making harmful jokes. #justiceforjussie”.

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#repost @ayeprahl_badu • • • #jussiesmollett

A post shared by Jocqui Smollett (@jocquismollett) on

Jussie has five siblings altogether, and his family have stood up for him — as any loving family members likely would — from the time he went public with his account of two men shouting racist and homophobic slurs, as well as pro-Trump rhetoric, as they beat him, put a noose around his neck, and doused him with a liquid chemical.

After the story initially broke, they released this statement:

“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime.”

“Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed.

We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable.

Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world.”

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This is nothing new. These sort of scare tactics and domestic terrorism have been used by cowards for centuries in an effort to control, silence, and dampen the lives of marginalized peoples. Surviving is in JUSSIE’S BLOOD and his light nor that of our family’s shall be dimmed. Again, we shall do as we’ve been doing the best we know how: heal, continue building, and march forward in the name of accountability and righteousness ?? ——————————————————————Official Statement from our family: “ In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world. With love & gratitude, The Smollett Family”

A post shared by Jocqui Smollett (@jocquismollett) on

During a press conference Thursday morning, Chicago Police confirmed that Smollett turned himself in. He faces a Class 4 felony charge, which carries a punishment of up to 3 years in prison, for disorderly conduct in falsifying a police report. A bond hearing is scheduled for the same day.

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