Jussie Smollett tells Empire cast members 'I swear to god I didn't do this' after posting 100k bail over 'hoax race attack'

Empire actor Jussie Smollet told fellow cast members that he didn’t stage a racist attack against himself, after he posted $100,000 bail imposed by a judge.

The 36-year-old actor is accused of lying about being attacked for his race and sexuality, after police claimed he hired two brothers to stage an assault in Chicago last month.

Smollett, who has been supported by family members throughout, told the Empire set: “I’m sorry I have put you all through this and not answered any calls.

“I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family.

“I swear to God, I did not do this”.

His message came just before Smollet was due to join the cast and crew to film scenes for the popular TV series.

Smollett claimed two masked men beat him while making racist and homophobic comments, poured a chemical substance on him and looped a rope around his neck in a shocking attack.

Detectives investigating the alleged hate crime said they scoured CCTV and could not find any footage linked to the attack.

Smollett surrendered himself to authorities on Thursday on a charge of felony disorderly conduct.

Speaking at a press conference, Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Mr Smollett "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

Smollett’s legal team have issued a statement saying he is a “young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence.”

On Thursday evening Smollett battled through a crowd of photographers to get into a car after leaving Cook County Jail.