Osundairo Brothers Pray That Jussie Smollett Will Reveal the Truth about 2019 Alleged Hate Crime

May 2024 · 3 minute read

As Jussie Smollett faces new charges for allegedly lying about a hate crime, the brothers he reportedly hired to stage the assault are praying for his enlightenment.

The brothers who Jussie Smollett allegedly conspired with to stage a hate crime are hoping the actor finally makes an admission now that he’s facing new charges in relation to the incident.

Abel and Ola Osundairo are speaking up for the first time since Smollett was slapped with felony charges again. TMZ caught up with them while leaving a Chicago restaurant and they expressed hope that the actor would finally come clean.

Jussie Smollett leaving Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois in March 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

HOW THEIR PATHS INTERTWINED

Almost a year ago, the brothers were implicated in an incident involving Smollett who claimed he was a victim of a homophobic attack. An investigation led to the brothers’ detainment. They later confessed that the openly gay star hired them to stage the attack against him and make it look like a hate crime.

Due to the brothers’ testimony, the investigation switched gears. Soon after, Smollett turned from victim to suspect. He was charged with 16 counts of felony for lying to the police.

But by constantly denying the brothers’ story and in a surprising turn of events in March 2019, prosecutors dropped all charges against him.

Accused actor Jussie Smollett after his appearance at Leighton Courthouse in March 2019 in Chicago. | Photo: Getty Images

FAR FROM OVER

In the heels of the dismissal, authorities were skeptical about the abrupt closure of Smollett’s case. They argued that there was strong evidence of the actor's guilt. Thus, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Smollett to recover all expenses incurred while investigating the alleged hate crime.

Now that Smollett is expected to appear in court on February 24, the Osundairo brothers are praying he would be enlightened to finally admit to his wrongdoing.

"Empire" star Jussie Smollett leaving Cook County jail after posting bail in February 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

But while Smollett appeared to have evaded prosecution, in August, special prosecutor Dan Webb was assigned to investigate the abrupt dismissal of Smollett's case. Through his findings, he found enough reason to believe that prosecutors shouldn’t have dropped it.

Jussie Smollett speaking to the media after all charges against him were dropped in March 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

A MESSAGE FROM THE OSUNDAIRO BROTHERS

Now that Smollett is expected to appear in court on February 24, the Osundairo brothers are praying he would be enlightened to finally admit to his wrongdoing.

Speaking to TMZ alongside their lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, Ola said, “ We are praying that he finally has the courage to tell the truth." Meanwhile, Abel confessed that he regrets taking part in the whole incident which caused many people pain. He further said,

“It takes away the attention from situations that actually happen, hate crimes and people actually being hurt.”

The brothers are committed to seeing the truth finally reveal itself. They expressed their intention to cooperate with further investigation and testify if the need arises.

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