President Donald Trump called the attack "horrible," before allegations that Smollett, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, orchestrated it himself. | Susan Walsh/AP Photo White House Trump criticizes Jussie Smollett for allegedly staged attack

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized “Empire” star Jussie Smollett for making “dangerous comments” after Chicago police accused the actor of orchestrating a fake assault by attackers who he said referenced the president’s campaign slogan as they hurled racial and homophobic epithets.

"[email protected] - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA" the president tweeted minutes after the Chicago Police Department outlined the the allegations against Smollett in a news conference.


Police on Thursday accused Smollett of concocting an attack in Chicago after sending himself a homophobic and racist letter. Authorities said injuries that Smollett claimed came from the assault were likely self-inflicted.

The "Empire" actor, who is openly gay, had a colleague report the attack on Jan. 29, saying that two masked men put a noose around his neck, covered him in bleach, and yelled homophobic and racial slurs at him. Smollett, during initial investigations of the incident, told authorities that he heard his assailants say "MAGA Country," a reference to the president's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.

Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on Thursday said Smollett faked the assault because of dissatisfaction with his salary and a desire for more attention.

Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks during a news conference about the arrest of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett. | Getty Images

"This announcement today recognizes that 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson said at the news conference.

"Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic and political language," Johnson said. "When that didn't work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack and trash Chicago's reputation through the mud in the process. And why? This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary."

Trump called the attack "horrible," before allegations that Smollett, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, orchestrated it himself.

“I can tell you that it’s horrible. It doesn’t get worse,” the president told reporters in late January.