MORE..
CNN, NBC News, the Chicago Tribune, and USA Today are now all among the mainstream news media publications who have sources in the police stating Smollett planned it all out himself..
THE UK DAILY MAIL has a good wrap on events thus far .
- Actor Jussie Smollett orchestrated an assault against him, Chicago police say
- He has furiously denied the claims saying 'nothing is further from the truth'
- Issued a statement through his lawyers Saturday night who now say one of the suspects was Smollett's personal trainer for a music video
- 'It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie’s complicity', they say
- Attorneys say Smollett 'has now been further victimized by claims'
- Both men, Nigerian brothers, are friends of Smollett and said to be anti-Trump
- The brothers were reportedly paid $3,500 and were promised additional $500
- Smollett has hired high-powered defense lawyer Michael Monico
- Smollett said last month that he was the victim of a racist, homophobic attack
- Initial reports said two noose-wielding men yelled 'this is MAGA country'
- Police say new evidence emerged in interrogations that requires investigation
DEVELOPING..