Update: 2/12/2019 3:45 p.m.
Chris Bastardi, a representative for Jussie Smollett from the public relations firm Sunshine Sachs, emailed EBONY in a statement:
“Jussie is the victim here, which has been stated by the Superintendent of Police. Jussie has voluntarily provided his phone records from within an hour of the attack and given multiple statements to police. Chicago PD has repeatedly informed us that they find Jussie’s account of what happened that night consistent and credible. Superintendent Johnson has been clear from day one that Jussie is a victim. We are continuing to work closely with the Chicago PD and remain confident that they will find Jussie’s attackers and bring them to justice.
Any redacted information was intended to protect the privacy of personal contacts or high-profile individuals not relevant to the attack.”
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Actor Jussie Smollett submitted phone records to Chicago police who are investigating his alleged attack by two men who hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him.
Law enforcement officials have reportedly rejected the phone records because they were “heavily redacted PDF files,” according to TMZ. Police want Smollett to submit the actual phone bill because the PDF file is subject to manipulation, but they added that there is no evidence that it was.
The Empire actor told police he was attacked Jan. 29 by two men who targeted him because he’s Black and gay. His manager has said he was on the phone with Smollett when the alleged attack occurred and heard the homophobic and racial slurs.
Police released surveillance video of two potential attack suspects, but there is no video of the attack occurring.
