Smollett Explains His Redacted Phone Records

CHICAGO — A day after "Empire" star Jussie Smollett handed over redacted phone records to Chicago police, a representative for the actor issued a statement explaining why the records were edited. The records were handed over to police Monday — nearly two weeks after Smollett reported an attack that police are calling a possible hate crime.

The Chicago Police Department said the redacted phone records were insufficient for their investigation.

In a statement obtained by NBC Chicago, Smollett's representative said the phone records were redacted "to protect the privacy of personal contacts or high-profile individuals not relevant to the attack."

"Jussie is the victim here, which has been slated by the Superintendent of Police," the statement read. "Jussie has voluntarily provided his phone records from within an hour of the attack and given multiple statements to police. Chicago PD has repeatedly informed us that they find Jussie's account of what happened that night consistent and credible."

Chicago police said Smollett was walking in the 300 block of E. North Water Street at about 2 a.m. Jan. 29, when two men wearing ski masks yelled homophobic and racial slurs and began beating the actor. They doused him with a chemical, believed to be bleach, and wrapped a rope around his neck, police said.

Smollett said the men called out "This is MAGA country" while attacking him. Police said the actor's initial statement didn't report a mention of MAGA — he recalled it later on. Smollett's music manager confirmed that he was on the phone with the actor at the time of the reported attack and heard the men yelling the phrase.

In the statement provided to NBC Chicago, Smollett's representative said that CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson "has been clear from day one that Jussie is a victim."

"We are continuing to work closely with the Chicago PD and remain confident that they will find Jussie’s attackers and bring them to justice," the statement read.

Police said Smollett gave them a PDF file of redacted phone calls but did not hand over a digital record or download of the phone. Smollett and his manager said they could not be away from their phones for prolonged periods of time.

Police said detectives may reach out to Smollett to obtain additional phone data that could help solve the case.

More Patch coverage:

• CPD Won't Demand Jussie Smollett Turn Over Cellphone
• Photos Show Persons Of Interest In Jussie Smollett Chicago Attack
• Stars React After 'Empire' Actor Attacked In Possible Hate Crime
• More Security On 'Empire' Set As Jussie Smollett Returns To Work

Top image: Jussie Smollett attends the 'Empire' Season 5 world premiere during the 2018 Tribeca TV Festival at Spring Studios on September 22, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images for Tribeca TV)