Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez Thomas Edward PerezClinton’s top five vice presidential picks Government social programs: Triumph of hope over evidence Labor’s 'wasteful spending and mismanagement” at Workers’ Comp MORE on Sunday defended the initial responses of some Democrats to Jussie Smollett's claim that he was the victim of a hate crime after police said the actor orchestrated the incident himself.

Perez was asked on "Fox News Sunday" about the wave of reactions from prospective presidential candidates condemning the alleged attack on Smollett as a hate crime. Sens. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerBipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility Democratic lawmakers call for an investigation into allegations of medical neglect at Georgia ICE facility MORE (D-N.J.) called the incident a "modern day lynching."

"We acted on the facts as we knew at the time," Perez said.

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"If the allegations that have come out in recent days are true, it’s unconscionable," he added. "Because hate crimes, the fact of the matter, are on the rise. When you create a false situation you are doing an injustice to all the people who have been victimized."

Smollett surrendered to authorities last Thursday morning after he was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report. Police said in a press conference that the "Empire" actor staged the attack because he was "dissatisfied with his salary."

Smollett, who is black and gay, had claimed to Chicago police last month that two men beat him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him. He said one of his attackers shouted "This is MAGA country," a reference to President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.

Harris other lawmakers who originally condemned the attack issued statements following the charges against Smollett expressing disappointment and frustration that the actor had allegedly falsified a report. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (D-N.Y.) and Booker have said they'd like to see the full facts of the case before commenting further.