Celebrities, politicians react to Jussie Smollett arrest: ‘This story is pathetic’

Following the arrest of Jussie Smollett on Thursday, with the “Empire” star facing charges of filing a false police report and disorderly conduct after allegedly staging an attack, celebrities and politicians were quick to weigh in on social media.

President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday morning, “What about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!?” Several other right-wing commentators denounced the actor’s actions, and wondered if Democratic politicians, like Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, would retract their initial support of Smollett.

Talks shows, like “The View” and “The Daily Show,” also tackled the controversial case. Alongside host Trevor Noah, comedian Jaboukie Young-White used his viewpoint as a gay black man to unpack Smollett’s actions.

When the alleged assault on Smollett was originally reported on Jan. 29, many celebrities were outspoken with their support. Since then, some have deleted their posts following Smollett’s arrest, like Jordan Peele, Michael B. Jordan, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

However, others have kept their posts up, like Lena Waithe, Lee Daniels, and Harris, and have yet to comment on Smollett’s charges. Actress Yvette Nicole-Brown wrote of her original statement, “I won’t delete it. It’s how I felt. I don’t hide from how I feel or what I stand for, even as situations change.”

Fellow actors, like Patton Oswalt, Andy Cohen, and O’Shea Jackson Jr., also expressed their frustration with the hoax.

Several celebrities, like director Tyler Perry, and organizations, like Out Magazine, wished the attention that Smollett received would be given to real crimes.

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