Surprise, surprise: Jussie Smollett has a history of lying to police

Jussie Smollett, who is widely suspected of faking a racist hate crime against himself, reportedly lied to police over a 2007 incident in Los Angeles.

What's the background?

Smollett said he was attacked by two unidentified men about 2 a.m. in freezing temperatures on Jan. 29 on a Chicago street. Smollett, an actor on Fox's "Empire," said the attack was racially motivated. He also said the alleged attackers were Trump supporters who shouted "MAGA"-related phrases as well as homophobic slurs.

After an investigation, law enforcement sources told multiple media outlets that the Chicago Police Department no longer considered Smollett the victim of an attack. Police sources have also indicated their suspicion that Smollett orchestrated the "attack" himself.

Smollett has denied having a role in planning the incident.

You can read more about the latest updates on the case here and here.

What are the details of the 2007 incident?

According to an NBC News report, Smollett pleaded no contest in 2007 to misdemeanor charges of DUI, driving without a license, and providing false information to a police officer, including false impersonation.

Smollett was sentenced to two years' probation in connection with the incident as well as a choice of a fine or jail time.

NBC News obtained the information from the L.A. City Attorney's office on Tuesday, and reported that the Chicago Police Department has requested the same information to assist in their investigation of January's alleged attack.

Page Six reported that during the 2007 incident, Smollett provided his brother's name after an officer asked his identity. Smollett also signed a fake name on his promise to appear in court.

Records showed that Smollett did complete an alcohol education and treatment program by May 2008.