Abimbola Osundairo, a Nigerian living in the US, has alleged that actor Jussie Smollett groomed him before requesting him and his brother, Ola Osundairo, to assault him.
In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the professional boxer revealed that Smollett had been preparing him for the attack, contrary to public belief.
Osundairo recounted an incident at Smollett’s house, where the actor allegedly tried to persuade him to accept the services of a male masseuse, a proposition that Osundairo declined due to his suspicions.
“He had hired a male masseuse for both of us, but I refused because I sensed something was off,” Osundairo stated. “Despite my refusal, people choose to believe something happened between us because I spent time with a gay man.”
Describing the assault plans, Osundairo explained how Smollett, despite their years of friendship, had requested the attack.
“He confided in me and asked me to beat him up randomly, which was confusing,” Osundairo told Jideonwo.
“We were in his car, and he suddenly said, ‘I want you to beat me up,’ a statement nobody ever makes. We were smoking weed, so I thought maybe he was high.”
Osundairo continued: “He explained further and mentioned needing someone to assist. He then asked if my brother would join, to which I agreed. That’s how it happened—quick and unplanned. He never fully disclosed the reason behind the request, but referred to a threatening letter he received.”
When questioned about his agreement to participate, Osundairo cited career advancement as a motive. “As professional actors and boxers, we saw it as an opportunity to network in the industry,” he explained.
In 2021, Smollett was convicted of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony, following a jury’s deliberations. The crime is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Watch the full interview for more details:
