New theory surfaces in Jussie Smollett hoax — and it centers around two checks

Actor Jussie Smollett was arrested this week for filing a false police report after Chicago Police say he orchestrated a hate crime hoax against himself. Authorities alleged two Nigerian brothers helped Smollett carry out the hoax.

But on Saturday, a new theory surfaced alleging reality is not what law enforcement say it is.

What is the new theory?

Chicago Police said Thursday that Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers — Olabinjo Osundairo, 27, and Abimbola Osundairo, 25 — $3,500 each for their help in carrying out the fake attack. Authorities said Smollett paid the brothers with checks.

But TMZ reported Saturday that "sources connected to the case" say the money Smollett paid the Osundairo brothers was not for the alleged fake attack. Instead, Smollett paid the brothers to help train him in the gym.

From TMZ:

Our sources say the brothers made a deal with Jussie to train him for 5 weeks so he could get in shape for an upcoming music video. Jussie had said to Ola that he wanted abs like his. Both Abel and Ola agreed to train Jussie, and also give him a 5-week nutrition plan.

Our sources say Jussie told the brothers he would pay them for their services, but no specific amount was discussed.

According to TMZ, even the check's memo line read, "5 weeks training nutrition plan."

In fact, TMZ reported the Osundairo brothers told a grand jury Smollett's money was related to his training program, not a staged attack, although sources told TMZ the brothers thought Smollett's payment for the training was "a little high."

Additionally, TMZ claimed the Osundairo brothers told the grand jury they were not involved in the sending of a racist letter that Smollett received a week prior to the alleged attack.