The brothers, whoJussie Smollettallegedly paidto stagea “bogus” hate crime attack against him, have issued a public apology.
Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola”Osundairo’s attorneyreleased a statement to CBS Chicago Thursday, saying that the two men felt “tremendous regret” for being involved with the situation.
They also apologized for the negative impact it may have had on people across the country, particularly for those who were victims of hate crimes.
“My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves,” the statement read.
Abel and Ola Osundairo.Instagram
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Jussie Smollett.Chicago Police Department/AP/REX/Shutterstock
An attorney for the Osundairo brothers, Gloria Schmidt, previously toldCBS Chicagothat they knew Smollett from working onEmpireand go to the same gym on occasion.
Schmidt did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Jussie Smollett.Kamil Krzaczynski/AP/Shutterstock
Smollett wasarrestedon Feb. 21. He presented in bond court and wascharged that same day,where a judge set his bond at $100,000 and requested that he surrender his passport.
Text messages between Smollett and the Osundairo brothers that were read in court also detailed how the 45-second attack was to be allegedly orchestrated.
Smollettwas releasedafter posting bond. He is currently facing a felony charge of disorderly conduct. If convicted, he could serve up to three years in prison. His next hearing is scheduled for March 14.
Jussie Smollett leaving court on Feb. 21.TANNEN MAURY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Smollett’s attorneys said that they are gearing up to launch an “aggressive defense”to fight the charge.
In the meantime, Smollett’sEmpirecharacter Jamal Lyon has since beenremoved from the final two episodesof season 5 to “avoid further disruption on set,” the Fox show’s executive producers said in a statement.
At this time, it is not clear if the Osundairo brothers will face any charges.
source: people.com
