CHICAGO - First it was the report that anyone in Chicago's upscale Streeterville neighborhood would say in public they were in "MAGA country." Then it was the story that two guys with masks beat up a person walking on a Streeterville sidewalk, targeting a known "Empire" star on a -10 degree night. Then it was that the two yelled racist and homophobic slurs while they tied a noose and poured bleach on their victim.
Anyone of those reports would have caused anyone with any knowledge of Chicago to scratch his head.
But that was before Jussie Smollett's story went viral, and everyone who was anyone in the "blue check" Twitter world chimed in with sympathy and agreement - it was all Donald Trump's fault - his and the "deplorables" that put him in office.
Disgusting. Terrible, media personalities and Democrat presidential wannabes clucked.
But now it appears the two alleged descpicable "MAGA-cap wearing" guys were of Nigerian descent - very likely not to shout "MAGA Country." The two brothers claim Jussie Smollett paid them $3500 to do the stunt of attacking Smollett when he left his nice warm apartment in the middle of the night to grab a Subway sandwich. Who does that?
In the meantime, nearby Ravenswood Crafty Beaver hardware store is telling customers they've put a hold on selling ropes - because that's where the rope used in the stunt was purchased. The ropes are hidden, but in their former location rat traps abound. There's no report yet on where the alleged bleach used was purchased.
The Chicago Police placed at least 12 experienced detectives on the Empire case as the story raced to the headline slot of every news cast around the country. The more they asked questions, the more they got answers, apparently, the more they doubted Smollett's story.
Two weeks later, a grand jury is reported to be organizing to hear the story. Only it won't be Trump Deplorables accused. It could be Smollett himself in the defendant's seat.
It doesn't look good, as Tuesday night, Cook County State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx recused herself from the case. Evidently, she has some sort of connection to one of Smollett's attorneys. Indeed, one of them gave Foxx $250 toward her campaign.
Wednesday, Good Morning America staffers are now saying they didn't believe Smollett's story when he told it last week.
Set this Empire mess next to Chicago Alderman Ed Burke's ongoing legal issues and the Chicago Way could have more light shone on it than since Capone's day.
Or the Chicago Way may just fade off the headlines, Twitter and Facebook and nothing will change. One can only hope the truth finally wins.
But that may be just another Deplorable dream.
