This week, Chicago Police released hundreds of files pertaining to the investigation into the alleged Jussie Smollett attack, including nearly 70 hours of video footage.
In addition to the reveal of the body cam footage, which captured officers responding to the 911 call and first interacting with the “Empire” actor after the alleged attack, police also released Smollett’s computer search records.
As reported by CBS, shortly after the incident took place on Jan. 29, Smollett himself was among those who were captivated by the media coverage of the situation. According to computer search records released by Chicago Police, the actor Googled himself more than 50 times.
When searching his name and keeping tabs on what details the media were reporting on, Smollett also found stories on CBS Chicago, who first broke the case open.
On Jan. 29, Chicago police opened a hate crime investigation after Smollett said he was attacked near his Chicago apartment by two men who shouted “racial and homophobic slurs,” poured an “unknown chemical substance” on him and wrapped a noose around his neck. On Monday (June 24), video was released showing Smollett with rope around his neck as police first entered his apartment.
In addition to video footage and records of his browser history, police also obtained text messages between the Osundairo brothers and Smollett.
“Might need your help on the low,” Smollett texted in one of the messages. “You around to meet up and talk face to face?”
As previously reported, the Cook County State’s Attorney Office dropped the charges against Smollett after the nature of the investigation changed and he was charged with filing a false police report.