The “Empire” star Jussie Smollett, who was charged on Wednesday with staging a racist and homophobic attack on himself in Chicago last month, has been under a bright spotlight in recent weeks — but perhaps not for reasons that a career actor and singer would prefer. In a major twist, Mr. Smollett, who is in his mid-30s, was charged Wednesday with a felony count of disorderly conduct in connection with the episode. Mr. Smollett is best known for his acting role in “Empire,” a hip-hop drama on Fox, in which he plays a son vying for the throne of his father’s music empire. Image Mr. Smollett, second from left, appearing in “Empire,” the hip-hop drama that airs on Fox. Credit Chuck Hodes/Fox, via Associated PressGrowing up with five siblings pursuing careers in acting, modeling and music, Mr. Smollett first appeared on the big screen in 1992.

Source: New York Times February 21, 2019 03:15 UTC