Police say claims that Jussie Smollet’s attack was staged are unconfirmed

Chicago police are denying claims in the media that the alleged racist and homophobic attack on Empire star Jussie Smollet was a hoax.

According to ABC Chicago and CBS Chicago, “multiple sources” have said that detectives are considering the possibility that Jussie and two male persons of interest had faked the story because Jussie was being written off of Empire, Daily Mail reports.

The two persons of interest are said to be former extras on the popular TV series and close friends of the 36-year-old actor. The pair, who are brothers, travelled to Nigeria hours after the attack and returned on Wednesday when they were arrested at Chicago's O’Hare International Airport.

Police found various items including bleach and an Empire script after raiding their home. According to Variety, police said they were questioning the two men but that they weren't considered suspects.

TV network Fox is denying claims that Jussie is being written off of the show, Complex reports.

"The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous,” 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment said.

"He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him."

Pamela Sharp, a spokeswoman for Smollett, said the reports were “ridiculous rumours”. “He’s been very cooperative and very consistent,” she said.

Smollett recently spoke about the attack in an interview that aired on Good Morning America. "It's not necessarily that you don't believe that this is the truth, you don't even want to see the truth," Smollett said about people who've doubted his version of events. 

Sources: Daily Mail, Variety, Complex