Fear for Fame

 

A recent development in the national media is the rapid rise and fall of ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett, whose report of an attack based on his race and sexual orientation garnered massive attention among the U.S. media and public. Here is an article from Reuters, a source known to be largely unbiased: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-jussie-smollett/jussie-smollett-staged-chicago-hate-crime-seeking-higher-pay-police-idUSKCN1QA1HD After a police report was filed, Chicago police immediately worked to find Smollett’s attackers as politicians from both parties condemned the actions of the two unknown attackers. Three weeks later, Smollett has been arrested by Chicago PD and will be charged with lying to police about the alleged attack on January 29th. Chicago PD superintendent Eddie Johnson, who is himself African-American, stated that Smollett “took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.” After investigating, the police identified two brothers whom Smollett paid $3,500 to stage the assault. Prior to the story unraveling, however, Smollett had appeared on ‘Good Morning America’ and doubled down on his story while suggesting that any doubts “might come from racial bias.” Smollett used ethos in that he attempted to use his celebrity status and his racial identity to gain recognition and increased fame through his hoax. For him to mislead the American media, public and police through falsehoods is a perfect example of fake news.

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