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Jussie Smollett's alleged assault initially caused a stir in the media and social networks, resulting in a torrent of convictions. Justin TALLIS / AFP

African American and gay actor Jussie Smollett, who claimed to have been the victim of racist and homophobic attacks in downtown Chicago in late January, was arrested on Thursday, February 21, for filing a false complaint. Justice accuses him of having mounted this aggression from scratch.

True aggression or sham? The investigators have decided. According to the Chicago police, Jussie Smollet, one of the stars of the Empire series, is not a victim but a suspect. He is charged with improper behavior and filing a false complaint. If convicted, he faces three years in prison. Smollet told the police that he had been assaulted by two individuals on a street near his apartment.

The two men allegedly uttered racist and homophobic insults before hitting him and shouting, "This is the country of " Make America Great Again, "the old campaign slogan of President Donald Trump. The police arrested two brothers, but quickly released them for lack of evidence. According to the local press, they were paid by the actor to simulate this attack. According to the two brothers, Jussie Smollet did not appreciate that a threatening letter he received did not attract more attention.

Jussie Smollett's alleged assault initially caused a stir in the media and social media, resulting in a torrent of convictions. In the meantime, the Fox News channel that produced the Empire series has expressed support for the actor.