An Illinois judge on Thursday ordered "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett's criminal case file unsealed, setting up the release of a wealth of information surrounding the controversial -- and often confusing -- case. Surveillance video reportedly revealed brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo, who lived in Smollett's apartment building, purchasing rope similar to the kind used during the alleged attack. Eventually, the brothers reportedly told cops Smollett paid them to help him fake the attack. But during a short and stunning hearing, the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx dropped the charges against Smollett, though his bail was forfeited. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPMeanwhile, the brothers implicated in the incident are suing Smollett's attorneys for defamation of character.

Source: Fox News May 23, 2019 16:38 UTC