Jussie Smollett faked attack to promote his career, get higher pay.

WWL TV: 'Empire' actor faked attack to promote career.

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career" when he made a false police report about an attack in Chicago, the city's police superintendent said Thursday.

Smollett also sent a racist and homophobic threatening letter to the Fox studio lot where he works in Chicago before the attack, Supt. Eddie Johnson said. He said Smollett was dissatisfied with his salary.

San Diego Union Tribune: Chicago top PD PO'ed over Smollett staged attack.

When investigators figured out the real motive behind the attack, “quite frankly, it pissed everybody off,” [said Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Thursday morning].

Breitbart: Facing federal U.S. Postal charges.

For filing a false police report, Smollett could face three years in prison and a hefty fine that could include the cost of the investigation. The hate letter could mean federal mail fraud charges.