Smollett Apologizes To ‘Empire’ Cast And Crew After Arrest, Maintains Innocence

at Build Studio on November 14, 2018 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Actor and activist Jussie Smollett visits Build Series to discuss the TV show 'Empire' and his work for charitable causes at Build Studio on November 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by... NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Actor and activist Jussie Smollett visits Build Series to discuss the TV show 'Empire' and his work for charitable causes at Build Studio on November 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) MORE LESS
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During a private meeting with “Empire” cast and crew on Thursday evening following his arrest, Jussie Smollett apologized to his colleagues, but maintained he was innocent of faking a hate crime attack against himself, CNN reported.

According to a person at the meeting who spoke to CNN, Smollett placed blame on the media and the legal system for the ordeal. Smollett’s scenes are currently “on hold” this week, according to a production schedule obtained by CNN.

Smollett was arrested and charged with filing a false police report this week. Chicago police say he allegedly hired two men to attack him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs because he was unhappy with his salary on the show.

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