Although the Jussie Smollett case wrapped up weeks ago with charges against the actor dropped, new chapters continue to be added as the two Nigerian brothers accused of assaulting the Empire actor say their family in Nigeria is now in danger after a lawyer allegedly outed one brother.
Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo are accusing Smollett's legal team at Geragos & Geragos, and specifically lawyer Tina Glandian, of defamation in making false statements by accusing them of a hate crime.
During an interview on the Today show, Glandian suggested the brothers had used white face during the assault. Most damning of all is that the lawsuit alleges that Glandian, on the podcast Reasonable Doubt, suggested Abimbola had engaged in sexual acts with her client, Smollett.
Because of this the brothers are taking the legal team to court. The lawsuit states that Glandian's suggestion of the sexual acts between the two men -- and by extension outing Abimbola as homosexual -- puts both him and his family back in Nigeria in danger. Homosexual activity is illegal in Nigeria and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, or even death if the accused is married.
It further claims: "Defendants made these comments knowing they were untrue to distract from Mr. Smollett’s farce and to promote themselves and the Geragos & Geragos law firm. Statements indicating plaintiffs actually criminally battered Mr. Smollett without his consent are patently false and defamatory, as Mr. Smollett originated, planned and orchestrated the attack."
Although charges were dropped against Smollett, many people, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and Chicago Supt. Eddie Johnson, believe he is guilty of fabricating the hate crime scenario that the Chicago P.D. investigated as a means of a PR stunt. Smollett's legal team has maintained his innocence and that the Osundairo brothers attacked Smollett, releasing a statement that read in part:
"While we know this ridiculous lawsuit will soon be dismissed because it lacks any legal footing, we look forward to exposing the fraud the Osundairo brothers and their attorneys have committed on the public." ~Paolo Maquiraya
OMG, this story just gets worse and worse. Smollett should just move away to another country, he's never going to get another job at home.