The Hollywood Reporter

Jurnee Smollett, sister to Jussie, has said the ‘staged attack’ scandal surrounding her brother has been ‘f***ing painful’ for her and her family.

Actor Jussie claimed in January 2019 he was attacked due to racial and homophobic reasons. Police later accused the actor of staging the attack himself and then lying to officers about it. 

“It's been f***ing painful, one of the most painful things my family's ever experienced,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.

"To love someone as much as we love my brother, and to watch someone who you love that much go through something like this, that is so public, has been devastating."

In February, Jussie pleaded not guilty to six counts of disorderly conduct about lying to the police.

As a result of the ongoing legal action, he was cut from the fifth series of Fox’s drama series Empire and then subsequently fired from the hit show.

He has consistently denied the allegations made against him.

Jurnee added that she believes her brother.

"I've tried to not let it make me pessimistic. But everyone who knows me knows that I love my brother and I believe my brother.

“We are blessed to have a community of people who know him, and know that he wouldn't do this. I mean, f**k, man, I look at him sometimes and I'm like, 'He's so strong'.”

Chicago as a city is also suing Jussie for the all $130,106 of the investigation costs into his claims. He is counter-suing for ’malicious prosecution’.