Jussie Smollett 'Attackers' Abel & Ola Flash Acting Chops ... Bizarre Comedy Sketch

Jussie Smollet's alleged "attackers" Abel and Ola Osundairo are showing off their acting skills in a new sketch that's supposed to be comedic ... but really just looks weird as hell.

Our sources tell us, Abel and Ola recently shot the sketch as a way to showcase their acting chops and get back into the industry. We're told it's entitled "50 Shades of Black" ... but, no, it has nothing to do with the alleged racist attack on Jussie.

It's about the brothers having a good time with some lady friends -- who, as you can see in pics from the set, are scantily clad or simply naked with dark body paint. They planned to cut loose with the women, but apparently end up getting drugged.

Think 'Fifty Shades' meets "Hustlers."

Remember, Abel and Ola were extras on "Empire" and that's how they met Jussie. But, ever since they called him out -- alleging he hired them to pull off a phony attack -- they've had a hard time scoring gigs.

2/29/20
LIGHTS OUT
TMZ.com

As you know ... Abel's mostly been boxing in Chicago, knocking out opponents and training with Floyd Mayweather's renowned trainer. He also landed one starring role in a movie, but it was super low-budget, and Ola's been shut out.

We can't vouch for how funny their new sketch will turn out, but it certainly LOOKS titillating. We're told the finished product will be released on YouTube and IG in the spring.

Jussie Smollett Chaotic Return to Court!!! Pleads Not Guilty on New Charges of Lying to Cops

CLEAR THE WAY!!!
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UPDATE

1:52 PM PT -- TMZ has obtained a copy of Jussie Smollett's motion to dismiss his new criminal case in Chicago, and he's basically arguing with a judge that he can't be tried again ... because he's already been penalized once before, which he thinks triggers double jeopardy.

UPDATE

In the docs, Jussie says when he forfeited his $10k bond as restitution to the city of Chicago a year ago when the OG charges were initially dropped ... that served as his official punishment. And, because it was recorded as his penalty, he believes he can't be tried again for the same alleged offenses.

UPDATE

A judge still needs to rule on his request.

UPDATE

9:11 AM PT -- The Osundairo brothers' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, just spoke to reporters apologizing for the brothers' involvement in the whole ordeal. She added the brothers are also willing to testify in the case.

UPDATE
WE'RE HERE FOR A REASON
FOX 32
UPDATE

8:40 AM PT -- Jussie pled not guilty and his legal team filed a motion for the case to be dismissed. He's scheduled to be back in court March 18.

Jussie Smollett is back in a Chicago courtroom, and you've gotta see the ruckus his arrival created outside ... as his supporters made sure they were heard.

Jussie was flanked Monday morning by an entourage of about 10 people -- some of them family members -- as he made his way into his arraignment on 6 new felony counts of lying to cops. At least one photog went down in a heap at Jussie's feet while he tried to get into the courthouse.

In the video, you can hear Jussie's backers chanting, "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!!!"

We're expecting the ex-"Empire" star to enter not guilty pleas to all 6 charges in the new indictment, which calls the 6 charges "disorderly conduct," but all involve allegations of lying to cops.

READY FOR COURT
FOX 32

Interestingly, Abel and Ola Osundairo also showed up at court this morning. There's no reason for them to be at his arraignment -- we know they'll be testifying against Jussie, but that's weeks down the road.

As we reported ... the special prosecutor, Dan Webb, said Jussie "planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack, and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Dept. officers."

You'll recall, Jussie claimed he was attacked in Chicago by 2 white men ... alleging the men put a rope around his neck and doused him with bleach. He claimed they also yelled racial and homophobic slurs. As the investigation unfolded, 2 black men -- brothers Abel and Ola Osundario -- were detained and they told police Jussie paid them to stage the attack.

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BODY CAM FOOTAGE

The special prosecutor effectively re-opened the controversial case nearly a year after Cook County prosecutors dropped all 16 felony counts against Smollett in March 2019. At the time, they called it a "just disposition and appropriate resolution," but not an exoneration.

Jussie's attorney, Tina Glandian, questioned the timing of the indictment. State Attorney Kim Foxx also questioned the timing. Jussie maintains he's innocent. If convicted, he faces up to 3 years in state prison.

Originally Published -- 7:29 AM PT

Jussie Smollett Osundairo Bros. Praying for Him ... To 'Finally Tell the Truth'

WE CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH
TMZ.com

Jussie Smollett's alleged accomplices in staging a hate crime are speaking on camera for the first time since Jussie was hit with felony charges again ... and they're practically pleading for him to come clean.

The Osundairo brothers -- Abel and Ola -- were leaving Fina Estampa restaurant in Chicago Friday afternoon when they opened up about Jussie ... and how they feel about the whole debacle.

Ola starts by telling us they are praying for Jussie to "build up the courage to finally tell the truth" ... clearly implying they're sticking to their story -- that it was all a hoax perpetrated by Smollett.

TOOLS FOR THE CRIME
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Abel, who's walking with his brother and their lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, goes on to say the brothers feel remorseful for being involved in the incident and causing people pain ... especially real victims of hate crimes who may have been marginalized because of what they did.

As we reported ... Jussie's facing a new 6-count indictment for allegedly lying to law enforcement about his "attack" back in January 2019. He also still has to deal with the City of Chicago's lawsuit against him for around $500k in investigative costs.

The Osundairos have said they remain "fully committed to the public knowing the truth" and will cooperate with the renewed investigation, and tell us if that means testifying ... they'll do what needs to be done.

Donald Trump Jr. Jussie Smollett's a 'Decent Actor' ... But This Story Is Fishy!!!

HIRE A WRITER NEXT TIME
TMZ.com

Donald Trump Jr. is back to taking shots at Jussie Smollett ... questioning the alleged racist attack, and wondering why Jussie didn't come up with a more believable scenario.

We got the President's son Thursday in New York City and asked what he thought the proper punishment should be for Jussie if he's convicted of the new charges following a grand jury indictment.

Don Jr. says the entire case is terrible for the country and wonders what would happen to Jussie's attackers if his version of events turned out to be true. He seems to think they would have it worse than Smollett.

Don also pokes holes in Jussie's claim his 2 attackers pounced when he went out alone for Subway at 2 AM in sub-zero temperatures. As he put it, Smollett is a "decent actor" but a terrible writer. Translation: He believes Jussie scripted the whole thing.

GOING AFTER JUSSIE

Jr. sounds a lot like his father ... remember, Donald Trump ripped Jussie during a rally last April ... calling the case a "disgrace," and Jussie a "third rate actor."

At least Jr. upgraded him to "decent." Still, he thinks Smollett will get off easy.

Jussie Smollett City of Chicago Lawsuit will NOT be Dropped ... Jussie Will Take the 5th

Jussie Smollett now has a fight on his hands on 2 fronts, because the City of Chicago is not backing down from its lawsuit to recover the cost of investigating what authorities say was a fake "attack."

Multiple sources tell us, the City of Chicago could drop its case against Jussie to recover nearly half a mil but if he's convicted in criminal court the judge would almost certainly order restitution on behalf of the City.

Thing is ... it makes total sense for the City to press on with its lawsuit, despite the Special Prosecutor reinstituting 6 felony criminal charges against him. The standard of proof in a criminal case is way harder to meet than in a civil case. In a criminal case, the proof needs to be 99% solid against Jussie. In a civil case, it just has to be 51% - 49%.

Now, the new problem facing the City is that Jussie will almost certainly take the 5th against self-incrimination in the civil lawsuit because of the looming criminal case. In Illinois, if a defendant takes the 5th in a civil case, the judge can tell the jury it can conclude that person is hiding something.

One thing we know ... Abel and Ola Osundairo -- the 2 brothers who Jussie says attacked him -- will testify that the whole thing was a setup masterminded by Jussie.

TOOLS FOR THE CRIME
TMZ.com

It's an interesting situation because Jussie has brought the Osundairo brothers in as a defendant in the City of Chicago's lawsuit, claiming they did indeed attack him. It's gonna be hard to prove that if he doesn't take the stand.

BTW ... The City of Chicago is playing coy, saying, "the City stands by our original complaint seeking to recover costs for Mr. Smollett's false statements." We pressed and asked if that meant the case will not be dropped and a City official refused to comment, but sources with direct knowledge say the lawsuit will proceed.

Jussie Smollett New 6-Count Indictment ... For Alleged Racist Attack

UPDATE

5:33 PM PT -- Jussie's attorney, Tina Glandian, is also questioning the timing of the indictment, saying, "the attempt to re-prosecute Mr. Smollett one year later on the eve of the Cook County State's Attorney election is clearly all about politics not justice."

UPDATE

She also says ...  "After more than five months of investigation, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has not found any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever related to the dismissal of the charges against Mr. Smollett. Rather, the charges were appropriately dismissed the first time because they were not supported by the evidence."

UPDATE

2:59 PM PT -- Foxx's campaign is calling out the timing of the special prosecutor's announcement saying, "What's questionable here is the James Comey-like timing of that charging decision, just 35 days before an election, which can only be interpreted as the further politicization of the judicial system, something voters in the era of Donald Trump should consider offensive."

Jussie Smollett is facing felony charges in Chicago again -- the special prosecutor just announced an indictment against the actor for the alleged homophobic attack against him last year.

A grand jury handed up the new indictment against Jussie on Tuesday. Dan Webb was appointed special prosecutor for the case last summer. We're told he's now facing 6 felony counts for lying to law enforcement. The indictment calls the 6 charges "disorderly conduct," but all 6 involve allegations of lying to cops.

This effectively re-opens the controversial case that led to Smollett getting fired from "Empire."

Special Prosecutor Webb says Jussie "planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack, and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Dept. officers."

Webb adds the new charges -- pared down from 16 to 6 -- were re-filed "in the interest of justice." Webb was critical of the State's Attorney who dismissed the case, saying Kim Foxx's office had no additional evidence from what the Grand Jury had when they indicted Smollett in the first place, so the dismissal made no sense.

Jussie and his attorneys had staged a legal battle against the special prosecutor, saying it would expose him to double jeopardy. That effort was shot down in court. You'll recall Cook County prosecutors dropped all 16 felony counts against Smollett in March 2019 ... calling it a "just disposition and appropriate resolution," but not an exoneration.

That decision pissed off Chicago law enforcement -- and in August, Webb was appointed special prosecutor to investigate how the case was handled, and if there was any reason to renew charges.

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SOMETHING STINKS
Fox 32 Chicago

FOX32 in Chicago first reported the indictment.

A source connected to Jussie tells us, "The officers who re-investigated the case are the same ones who originally investigated it. These officers are currently being sued by Smollett. They have also spent taxpayer money on having these officers go to Los Angeles and harass members of Smollett's team and friends."

3/26/19
I AM VINDICATED
Fox 32 Chicago

We're told Jussie still maintains his innocence, and finds the timing of the indictment interesting -- because Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx is up for re-election next month. He plans to plead not guilty.

Jussie will be arraigned February 24. We're told he faces up to 3 years in state prison if convicted.

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BODY CAM FOOTAGE

You'll recall, Jussie claimed he was attacked on a frigid night in Chicago by 2 white men who put a rope around his neck and doused him with bleach while yelling racial and homophobic slurs.

However, 2 black men -- brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo -- were eventually detained, and told police Jussie paid them to stage the whole attack.

After the new indictment, the Osundairos' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, says they remain "fully committed to the public knowing the truth" about the so-called attack -- and will cooperate with the investigation. However, they did not testify before the new grand jury. Instead, the panel relied on the brothers' previous testimony.

Originally published -- 2:02 PM PT

'Empire' Star Bryshere Gray 7-Eleven Clerk Claims He Spit, Freaked Out ... His Story's Different

THE POLICE INTERVIEW

Bryshere Gray -- aka Yazz, aka Hakeem Lyon on "Empire" -- told cops he engaged in a food fight with a 7-Eleven clerk ... after she falsely accused him of spitting on the floor.

According to police body cam footage -- obtained by TMZ -- the actor was questioned about his altercation inside the Orlando store last month, which Gray claims started because the guy he was with spit on the floor and the cashier didn't approve. Imagine that.

Bryshere says she snapped, and even after he started cleaning up his friend's spit she continued to bark at him ... and then allegedly threw something at him.

Yazz says he returned fire by hurling a bag of chips at her before deciding to leave ... and he's sure the store's security footage will back up his claim she attacked first.

POINTING HIM OUT

However, the clerk clearly points the finger at the "Empire" star as the spitter when she speaks with police, and tells them she wants to press charges because he cussed her out and threw stuff at her first. She's also confident the cameras will prove her right.

Law enforcement sources tell us no arrests were made due to the conflicting statements and a lack of physical injuries ... but the clerk does want to press charges. Gray told cops he didn't want to go that route.

We're told surveillance footage is still being reviewed.

Jussie Smollett Playing Santa Claus in Flint ... Money & Toys For Kids

Jussie Smollett is on a mission to give children in Flint something to believe in ... donating money to kids programs and helping organize a backpack and toy drive for Christmas.

Sources close to Jussie tell TMZ ... the actor recently paid a surprise visit to Flint, Michigan with youth and environmental activist, Mari Copeny AKA Little Miss Flint, and together they helped surprise a school with new backpacks and toys.

Jussie took his good deeds one step further ... we're told he donated $10,000 to the Flint KIDS program.

We've seen this kind of gesture from Jussie before ... last year, he donated $125,000 to various charities ahead of the holidays, including Flint KIDS and the Black AIDS Institute.

Parents at the toy drive tell us Jussie appeared to be in great spirits, and he made the kids feel like their Christmas is complete.

Jussie's demeanor is worth noting, considering he's now countersuing the City of Chicago for malicious prosecution in regards to the infamous "attack."

Jussie Smollett 'Attacker' Clout Keeps Coming ... Meets Floyd Mayweather!!!

One of Jussie Smollett's alleged "attackers" is on a roll -- shortly after starring in his first movie ... he's hanging out with one of the biggest celeb athletes in the world.

Abel Osundairo met up with Floyd Mayweather this weekend at the undefeated fighter's gym in Las Vegas ... then hit up his club later on for more face time with the boxing champ.

We broke the story ... Abel's been training with Floyd's renowned trainer, Nate "The Snake" Jones, in order to advance his own promising boxing career after winning a title in Chicago's Golden Gloves tourney in April -- a fight that wasn't staged!

We're told Abel's preparing to give it a shot at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo -- representing his home nation, Nigeria -- and meeting with Money Mayweather should provide a ton of inspiration.

The Osundairo bro isn't just succeeding in boxing either ... he's on the up and up in the showbiz world too. We broke the story ... he landed the lead role in the low-budget film, "Friends Family & Lovers," directed and cowritten by the guy who also cowrote the Master P produced comedy "I Got the Hook-Up 2."

It didn't earn any Golden Globes noms or anything ... but still. Ever since being linked to Smollett's "hate crime" in Chicago on that bitter, cold night in January ... Abel's been heating up.

Can't say the same for Jussie.

'Empire' Actress Busted for DUI ... Leaving the Scene

Amanda Detmer -- the actress who plays Tracy on "Empire" -- is in hot water after cops say she left the scene of an accident ... and was driving under the influence.

Detmer was arrested for DUI Sunday night in Chico, CA, after allegedly smashing her vehicle into a utility pole and then taking off. Law enforcement tells TMZ ... it responded to a report about the pole and conducted a search of the area, eventually locating a vehicle with severe front-end damage.

Cops say Detmer was driving it, and when they pulled her over they confirmed she was responsible for the collision. Their investigation also determined she was drinking and driving.

She was placed under arrest and is now facing charges of DUI and leaving the scene of a traffic collision.

Amanda's best known recently for her role on "Empire," but also for supporting roles in films like "Final Destination," "The Majestic" and "You, Me and Dupree."

Jussie Smollett Osundairo Brother Scores Movie Role ... As Jussie Waits

One of the brothers who admitted to carrying out an elaborate hoax to make it look like Jussie Smollett was the victim of a hate crime is back to acting -- before the ex-"Empire" star.

Abel Osundairo will be making his acting debut in the upcoming low-budget film, "Friends Family & Lovers," and not only that ... he's playing the main character, Dushon.

The movie's directed and co-written by Michael Ballard, who also co-wrote the Master P produced comedy "I Got the Hook Up 2," and is set to screen this weekend at the University of Chicago.

Judging by the trailer, 'FF&L' isn't going to be in the mix for a Best Picture nom, but still ... a gig's a gig, and it's more onscreen work than Smollett's gotten since his fiasco in Chicago.

As we reported ... Jussie's "Empire" character was written out of the show after his alleged hoax and got renewed in April without him.

His acting career's been on hiatus ever since, and it seems he's much more busy battling the City of Chicago. In fact, he just filed a countersuit against the city claiming malicious prosecution.

Jussie also included the Osundairo brother in his suit, which their lawyer called a sad attempt to falsely smear them.

At least Abel's not letting it stop him from launching his acting career.

Jussie Smollett Sues City of Chicago ... For Malicious Prosecution

UPDATE

9:56 AM PT -- The Osundairo brothers' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, tells TMZ ... "This is just another sad attempt by Jussie Smollett to try and falsely smear the Osundario brothers, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department. There is no legal merit to his claims, and could be sanctionable."

UPDATE

Schmidt adds, "The brothers were open and honest with the Chicago Police Department, testified under oath in front of a Grand Jury, and stand ready to do so again, in open court, if and when called upon to do so."

Jussie Smollett has taken the offensive ... he's now suing the City of Chicago, claiming officials created a narrative that he was the mastermind of a hoax attack, and that has cost him dearly.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Smollett notes the Osundairo brothers were held for 47 hours and they adamantly denied any involvement in the assault. He says it was only after they were assured they'd get immunity that they started spinning the tale of a fake attack on the streets of Chicago.

Smollett insists the primary attacker was a white male.

He says to this day he doesn't know what involvement, if any, the Osundairo brothers had in the attack. He thinks the brothers were lured into the smear campaign by cops.

Jussie is suing the City, the Osundairo brothers and several officials, including Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

As we reported, the City of Chicago is suing Jussie to recoup the costs of the investigation.

Originally Published -- 6:22 AM PT

Jussie Smollett Osundairo Brothers Visit Office For Special Prosecutor

A decision on whether to reinstate charges against Jussie Smollett in Chicago is getting close ... because we've learned the Osundairo brothers took a trip to the special prosecutor's office.

Sources close to the case tell TMZ ... Abel and Ola met with Dan Webb's team this week because the special prosecutor wanted to hear their full story -- their version of Jussie's alleged attack.

BACK IN TOWN

We've obtained video of Abel and Ola arriving for the powwow in downtown Chicago ... and you see them coming in separately to meet with an attorney in Webb's office. The brothers were accompanied by their attorney, Gloria Schmidt.

Our sources say the brothers each spent a couple hours with the special prosecutor's team.

Terrence Howard Karma's Coming for My Ex-Wife ... But I'll Pay the $1.3 Mil

SHE'LL GET HERS
TMZ.com

Terrence Howard says he's taking a stand for men when he battles his ex-wife, and even though he recently took an 'L' -- he still thinks he has a secret weapon on his side.

We ran into Terrence Tuesday at Crustacean in Bev Hills -- right after he got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- and asked him about the ruling last month ... when the judge ordered him to pay Michelle Ghent $1.3 million in their years-long spousal support feud.

We asked if Terrence intended to challenge it, and although he says he'll pay ... he clearly isn't conceding Michelle is right. In fact, he accuses her of playing dirty with "deceit and lies." Watch the clip, but know that Michelle's team says Terrence is delusional.

As a rep for his ex put it, "Apparently the courts don’t agree with his version of events and he seems to have a hard time sticking to the facts and the reality of what the rulings have been in this case."

Still, Terrence told us he'll come out on top in the end ... thanks to karma. And, then we got into some strange philosophical territory with him.

When we tried asking about "Empire" coming to an end, Terrence pivoted into something he's way more passionate about -- his belief that one times one is TWO. We know ... come again???

We'll let Terrence explain. Or, at least, try to explain -- but congrats on the star, man!!!

Terrence Howard Ripped by Judge ... Fork Over $1.3 Mil to Your Ex-Wife!!!

Terrence Howard's success heading into the final season "Empire" just bit him in the ass -- or should we say the wallet -- because a judge is ordering him to give his ex-wife a huge chunk of his TV earnings.

Michelle Ghent scored a 7-figure W Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court when the judge said enough is enough, and ruled Terrence must pay her $1.3 million. About $263k of that is reportedly back spousal support -- and another $1.05 million is based on the fact he's pulling in big money.

Terrence is reportedly now making north of $250k per episode of "Empire." Michelle and Terrence's money battles have been dragging on since 2013 -- and, by comparison, he was only hauling in somewhere around $120k per episode in 2015, when the show debuted.

TMZ broke the story, Michelle filed docs last year requesting her ex pay her more than $900k in back spousal support, so today's ruling -- first reported by the NY Daily News -- is a massive legal victory for her.

There's more bad news on the horizon for Terrence -- Michelle's attorneys fees.

On Friday, the judge said the fees looked "reasonable" and set a hearing for next week to determine exactly how much he'll have to pay -- but Michelle says the tab is expected to be more than $1 million.

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