Jussie Smollett has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false report after he claimed he was attacked by two masked men in a racist and homophobic attack. As evidence mounts against him, suggesting he staged the attack and paid two men to participate in it, he should be held accountable. Jussie Smollett is a celebrity who has taken on the role of a voice for both the LGBT and African-American community. The inevitable media coverage he has received reflects badly on both communities. People who are victims of real hate crimes will have far less creditibility due to situations similar to Smollett’s. Real victims will be taken less seriously when claiming they were attacked. They may also fear to even come forward as victims of hate crimes.

We demand FOX to fire him from the show, “Empire”. We need to make it clear that his actions are unacceptable for anybody in showbusiness. Jussie Smollett’s narcissism and desperate desire for sympathy is harming the LGBT and African-American communities, and he should face consequences.