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.”
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.”
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”.
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.”
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.
Brian
Considering we know that Jussie was trying to create a fake video of him being attacked, I’m not sure why this person thinks that should be evidence of anything.
Also I’m pretty sure the family sent the Malcom X tweet before the grand jury hearing. It would be really dumb to blame the media afterwards.
@DmitriyR
Jussie Smollett’s siblings, Jussie Smollett’s friends etc etc. When i was young there was a joke: “friend of olympic champion”. “It does not matter what can i do and who am i, but my friend is olympic champion”
Rex Huskey
suicide watch…. just saying
Bob LaBlah
Congratulations. I said it three times since it because obvious the story was a hoax and each time my comment got removed.
Brian
My comment about Jussie trying to pin his DUI on his brother got removed too.
Vince
Kind of a extra douche move to let your family get involved. Clearly they love and support him but he should’ve told them before they embarrassed themselves.
jcoberkrom
The continued refusal of Jussie, his families and his attorneys to take responsibility it disheartening. Malcom X’s quote, which (except for it’s eloquence) could be Dotard’s is scary.
Doug
I wonder what they’re thinking now that he’s turned himself into police and confessed he did it for a salary raise.
Terrorizer
The entire family are RASCIST LIARS blaming everyone but their greedy, low life brother for his crimes.
For what he has done he should be sent to prison and turned out for cigarettes then he can truly learn about being a victim and being abused.
iamru2
My family is loving and if I committed a horrific hate crime like Jussie, no they would not be backing up my criminal act.
Bob LaBlah
I knew without a doubt that God would be dragged into this but why would they chose Malcolm X is baffling and now has me wondering if this entire family is in the same universe as the rest of us. Just like Jussie his family too seems to not understand the importance of shutting up. Are they really that stupid to not understand that it is better to have the world guessing if your a fool than to have the entire world KNOW you ARE a fool or in this case just as stupid as your brother/son? Malcolm X?
CanadianGuy62
Bob LaBlah
I love it when someone calls someone a fool (or whatever) and does it by saying “your” a fool. It’s “you’re.” ;-P
#Irony
jjburn
Come on, Queerty…. it’s “Malcolm”, not “Malcom”. Geez….
Rock-N-RollHS
Ah those white liberals. lol
piriblue
They are clutching at straws. They are loosing their meal ticket and everyone is just worried from where the next bottle of champagne and caviar is going to come from. They are only defending their meal ticket. I am just saying. I didn’t even look to see if anyone of them has a profession. Deny, deny, deny.
Why do I bother some of these people can’t even make sense of their own lives.
truthseeker
Apparently he’s still making Empire money. News reports say that he’s back on the set already filming scenes.
Roseanne was fired immediately for a tweet. Kevin Hart still does Chase Visa commercials after homophobic tweets. Jussie is still employed after committing a felony (possibly a second when the FBI is done). That’s the world that we live in
Toofie
I think there are 2 shows left to film this season. Don’t expect him for season 6.
Rock-N-RollHS
This is clearly playing the “race card” at its most blatant.
Never mind that M X and his followers had little use for the gays amongst them.
nickedbeater
Reminds me of the screwball hustlers and neurotics I’ve met in the gay bars.
Straight boys have no monopoly on stupidity, so don’t be surprised.
Idiots come in all shapes, sizes, colors and orientations.
crowebobby
Doug: The police chief says he did it because he was dissatisfied with his salary. I haven’t seen where he “confessed” to that. I “believe” he is guilty, but doesn’t the chief of police “declaring” him guilty make a mockery of any trial he’s going to have. The police are suppose to “accuse” not “declare” people guilty of crimes.