Page Six: Jussie Smollett of 'Empire' Accused of Having Relationship with Alleged Attacker

A Page Six source claims "Empire" star Jussie Smollett and his alleged attacker Ambimbola "Abel" Osundairo were actually romantically linked prior to the controversial late-night crime.

An Insider of Page Six claims Jussie Smollett and Abel Osundario used to frequent an upscale Chicago bathhouse that was known to be the place where many black gay men would hang out together.

"They used to party together and he had a sexual relationship with [Abel]. They went to this affluent Chicago bathhouse multiple times and they had to show ID. It's known as a bathhouse where a lot of affluent gay men hang out."

PROOF FROM BATHHOUSE RECORDS

For those who didn't want to believe, the insider claims the bathhouse should have records of their visits. He adds that these bathhouse records may even be subpoenaed soon in Smollett's upcoming trials on charges of disorderly conduct for perpetuating a hate crime against himself.

These claims were used by Smollett's lawyers, Tina Glandian and Mark Geragos last year, where they used the relationship as a motive for the alleged crime. However, the brothers have denied these accusations and filed a lawsuit for defamation against the lawyers.

THE RUMOR WAS NEGATED BY THE OSUNDARIO BROTHERS

According to the suit, such comments put the Osundario family at risk, especially since Nigeria laws on homosexuality are punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and even death by stoning if the person is married.

Although a judge ultimately dismissed the defamation suit last month, Smollett continues to fight in court, proving his innocence to hoaxing an attack against himself in 2019. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

JUSSIE SMOLLETT AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Since January 2019, Smollett has been keeping a low profile following the messy ordeal. However, recently, the "Empire" actor returned to social media with a video of him singing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

His video garnered more than 140,000 likes and 12,000 comments.

WISHING HIS FOLLOWERS WELL

The actor wished his fans well as everybody practiced social distancing measures in their own homes. He also asked them to spread love and kindness instead of the virus.

"Hope y'all are staying safe? Spread love and kindness... not Rona... I swear I'mma learn this before I walk outside."

Despite everything that happened, his video garnered more than 140,000 likes and 12,000 comments, many of them from fans letting him know that they love him and forgive him for what he had done.