Rumors have been going around that the shocking Jussie Smollett racism and homophobia motivated assault is in fact just a hoax! But now, the actor’s team, as well as a Communications rep for Chicago police are denying the accusations!

It all started with a report by ABC 7 claiming that a number of sources revealed to the news outlet that the terrifying hate crime was just a PR move so that he could avoid being written off Empire!

Chicago PD has already slammed the publication on Twitter.

Now, Smollett’s team forwarded Chief Communications Officer for Chicago Police Anthony Guglielmi‘s post that states: ‘Media reports about the Empire star incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Superintendent Eddie Johnson has therefore contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have absolutely no evidence to support their reporting and their CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate.’

Furthermore, multiple reps for the actor told Variety that the reports are nothing more but ‘ridiculous rumors.’

Finally, 20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment have also made sure to address the reports in a joint statement.

‘The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of EMPIRE is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this successful series and we continue to stand behind him.’

ABC 7 has also claimed that at this time, two suspects are being questioned and that one of them is actually an extra on Empire!

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The police have apparently raided their houses but the alleged brothers from Nigeria are yet to be charged with the crime.