Jussie Smollett: "Pissed off" Never or "Pays off"

HOUSTON - "Cash rules everything around me, dollar, dollar bill y'all," is the hook for the song "C.R.E.A.M.," by Wu-Tang Clan. Well, when cash is the motivating factor behind secrets and lies, many houses - or careers - can start to crumble.

Jussie Smollett Emotions

"I'm Pissed off.... it's the attackers, but its also the attacks"

As is the case of one of Fox TV's biggest stars, Jussie Smollett. The famed actor and singer from the hit TV show, "Empire," is getting plenty of attention these days, but for all the wrong reasons. The star recently claimed he was the victim of a vicious hate crime, reporting that he was attacked by two homophobic MAGA supporters who beat him and poured, although a lengthy investigation and subsequent charges deemed otherwise.

Chicago police said it was all a lie, conjured up by Smollet, Who was hoping the attention would get him an increase in salary for the role he played on television. Instead, the role he played in his own "attack" has him facing many years behind bars - and possibly an end to his career.

The case raise questions about politics, racism and discrimination towards the LGBTQ community. The support for Smollett grew past his "Empire" fame, but rans rallied behind him for what they believe was discrimination against him. Smollett is an openly gay, black male and received an outpouring of support from the African American and LGBTQ communities.

Police were able to track down the two men, Nigerian brothers, who allegedly attacked Smollett, but the brothers, said Smollett paid them to "fake" the attack. After presenting evidence, the brothers were released from custody with no charges filed.

It was learned that one of the brothers actually worked with Smollett on the set of "Empire." Police found elevator footage of the three men together hours before the attack, text messages between Smollet and one of the brothers were revealed.

Investigators also discovered evidence that a threating letter Smollett received to Fox studios days before the "attack" was allegedly sent by the actor himself.

Despite it all, the Smollett family made statements standing by their beliefs that the attack was a hate crime, and the actor gave an "unforgettable" interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts.

Smollett showed the world a side of acting that would damage his career in the end.

During the GMA interview, he appeared to be furious, telling Roberts, "I'm pissed off."

He's not the only one.

"I'm appalled at the new evidence. Now who will believe anyone in the LGBTQ community?" asked Paul, a Texas Southern University freshman male who proudly identifies himself as gay.

And with MAGA causing so much controversy in the United States, supporters of that movement are also offended.

"It's ok to dislike something, but to use something so serious as a hate crime allegation, that's so wrong," Sam, a MAGA supporter said

So why did he do it?

Police said that Smollett paid the brothers $3,500 to help him orchestrate the attack in order to get him more respect from his career and receive more pay. Smollett also allegedly gave the brothers an additional $100 to purchase items used in the attack.

The high price of fame. Was it worth it?

Only time will tell.