Jussie Smollett's brother has spoken out in defense of the star, calling accusations that his attack was staged 'ludicrous', arguing the Empire actor is suffering night terrors over the alleged attack.
Jojo Smollett said his sibling's 'life has been turned upside down' in under three months as he endures 'unrelenting attacks to his character and reputation'.
In an op ed for Bet Jussie's older brother said: 'To define this experience as unjust would be an understatement.
'The numerous police leaks, which prompted an internal Chicago Police investigation, convicted Jussie in the court of public opinion before he even entered a courtroom. Simply ask yourself this, “What if Jussie is telling the truth?”'
Jussie Smollett's brother JoJo, left, has spoken out in defense of the star, right, calling accusations that his attack was staged 'ludicrous'
Jojo Smollett, pictured left with his brother Jussie and the Obamas, said his sibling's 'life has been turned upside down' in under three months
Actor Jussie Smollett, center, leaves the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago flanked by his loved ones after prosecutors dropped all charges against him in March
Empire actor Smollett, 36, was accused of staging an attack on himself on January 29 to try to get a raise on the show.
Police say he paid Abel and Ola Osundairo to beat him in what he then described as a racist, homophobic attack by two Trump-loving perpetrators. He has always maintained his innocence and insisted he was attacked.
And Jojo says he has seen his younger brother 'violently awakening from night terrors' as a result of the alleged assault.
He adds: 'To suggest that he staged his own attack to boost a sagging career is ludicrous.
'I have literally seen him violently awakening from night terrors, following the assault. Some of my siblings, as well as Jussie’s partner and closest friends have seen similar things.'
Jojo added: 'I am definitely not asking you to feel sorry for my brother. He would never allow that. He still carries a humility, grace and knows he walks in more rarified air than so many people who have been wrongly accused and paying a heavy price.'
Jussie has spent time with his family in
