Cardi B reacts to claims Jussie Smollett played a role in his assault: 'You gave Donald Trump immunity'

The rapper says she 'wants to know' the truth about the situation

Clémence Michallon
New York
Tuesday 19 February 2019 18:33 GMT
Cardi B attends the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on 10 February, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Cardi B attends the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on 10 February, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Cardi B has reacted to Jussie Smollett’s claims that he was the victim of a racist, homophobic attack - after Chicago news media outlets reported that detectives are reviewing whether the attack was a hoax.

The rapper shared her take in an Instagram Live video, alleging that if the claims are corroborated, then Smollett “f***** up Black History Month” and “gave Donald Trump immunity”.

Police said on Saturday that the investigation had “shifted” after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges. Smollett said in an interview on Good Morning America that he is “pissed off” at people who question his narrative, and his lawyers say the actor feels “victimised” by reports that he played a role in the assault.

“I’m really disappointed in Jussie Smollett, whatever the f*** his name is,” Cardi B said.

“I’m really disappointed in him. I feel like he f***** up Black History Month.”

The rapper made it clear that she doesn’t know for certain where to stand on the issue, that she “doesn’t want to completely blame [Smollett]”, and that she “wants to know” the truth.

She added that if the reports that Smollett was somehow involved in the attack are true, “then bro, you f***** up.”

“You gave f****** Donald Trump immunity to f****** laugh and make motherf****** look bad,” she said.

Last month, Smollett told police he had been attacked by two men who yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, poured a chemical substance on him and wrapped a rope around his neck.

He said they also yelled he was in “MAGA Country”, an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.

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A spokeswoman for Smollett’s laywers told AP that Smollet’s attorneys ”will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf”.

​Additional reporting by agencies.

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