Shivangi Sinha
In January 2019, actor Jussie Smollett reported to police that he had been the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. The incident quickly gained widespread media attention, sparking outrage and discussions about discrimination against minorities. However, the investigation took a turn when authorities identified the men as brothers Abimbola “Bola” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, who had worked as extras on ‘Empire’ with Smollett. They claimed he had orchestrated the attack and allegedly paid them to carry it out. In Netflix’s ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett,’ the brothers discuss the case, which left many questioning what truly happened.
Ola and Bola Osundairo Alleged They Were Instructed to Attack Jussie Smollett
Abimbola “Bola” (also known as Abel) and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo are Nigerian-American brothers who have built careers in the entertainment industry as bodybuilders, fitness coaches, and extras on the TV series ‘Empire.’ Per reports, Ola had known Jussie Smollett for several years, and when Bola joined the show, he developed a close friendship with Jussie as they used to train together. On January 29, 2019, Jussie reported to Chicago police that he had been attacked by two men who physically assaulted him and used racist and homophobic slurs, which led to a lot of media attention and public outrage.
The police launched an investigation, and after reviewing CCTV footage, spotted two men walking near the scene. They traced the men through a rideshare record and identified them as Ola and Bola. During interrogation, the brothers alleged Jussie Smollett had hired them to stage the attack. Bola alleged that Jussie approached him with the idea, saying he wanted to gain publicity by reporting a hate crime. Then, he claimed, he went to his brother, and the two of them decided to do as he had allegedly said because they were assured that such things were normal in Hollywood. The brothers further alleged they were paid $3,500 for carrying out the staged assault.
The brothers made numerous media appearances in the following months and became a national topic of discussion. Jussie and his legal team, in response, alleged that they fabricated accusations against him. They cited Ola’s 2011 attempted murder charge and his 2012 plea to aggravated assault, noting he was barred from possessing firearms. During a February 2019 search, police reportedly found a cache of weapons at the brothers’ residence. Jussie argued their testimony was coerced. By December 2021, Ola and Bola’s testimony became central to the prosecution’s case, and they maintained their accusations against the actor.
Ola and Bola Osundairo Gave a Public Statement After Jussie Smollett’s Acquittal
Jussie Smollett was initially convicted on 5 counts of disorderly conduct, but in November 2024, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction. Following the decision, Ola and Bola Osundairo issued a press statement expressing that they were “initially taken aback,” particularly because Jussie had never admitted any wrongdoing. They asserted that while they respected the court’s ruling and believed everyone was entitled to due process, they were disappointed that their former friend and colleague hadn’t accepted responsibility.
Ola further criticized the handling of the case, calling the initial leniency by Kim Foxx’s office a “sweetheart deal.” The brothers also remarked that Smollett’s wealth, power, and influence had afforded him different treatment. They reiterated that their involvement stemmed from a sense of helping a friend rather than for financial gain and claimed that they never received the full payment Jussie had allegedly promised them.
Ola Osundairo Continues to Work as an Actor Today
Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo has built a name for himself in the entertainment industry, with acting credits in productions such as ‘Chicago P.D.’ and ‘The Worst Nightmare.’ In January 2024, he and his brother, Abimbola “Bola” Osundairo, co-authored the book ‘Bigger Than Jussie: The Disturbing Need For A Modern-Day Lynching,’ which dives into their upbringing, their involvement in the Jussie Smollett case, and larger issues surrounding media narratives, societal bias, and justice in modern America. The book sparked discussions across various platforms. Some praised it for its honesty, and others criticized it for revisiting the controversy.
Beyond acting and writing, Ola has carved a niche for himself as a fitness coach and regularly offers training programs, health tips, and motivational content. His Instagram account, boasting over 85,000 followers, shows his workouts, client transformations, and glimpses into his personal life. He frequently uploads short-form videos, ranging from exercise tutorials to lifestyle content. Despite his busy schedule, Ola often highlights the importance of balance in his life. He credits his cat, Kenzo, as his true companion, often featuring the playful feline in posts that give fans a more personal look into his world. Today, Ola remains active in multiple fields and is determined to move forward while shaping his own story beyond the headlines.
Bola Osundairo Runs a Successful Training and Fitness Program
Bola Osundairo has continued to build a career in the years following the Jussie Smollett case. Now based in Dallas, Texas, alongside his brother, he has channeled his passion for health and athletics into Team Abel, their joint fitness and wellness program. The initiative has gained significant traction, focusing on bodybuilding, boxing, and comprehensive fitness coaching, attracting clients from across the state. A professional boxer, he has participated in several Texas-based tournaments over the years.
Bola began his boxing journey in December 2018 and quickly made a name for himself. In 2019, he dominated the Golden Gloves tournament (senior novice division), eventually claiming the championship title. His success continued as he earned the US National Championship and was ranked #1 in his division, which led to his selection for Team USA with an opportunity to compete in the 2024 Olympics. Instead of waiting, he decided to turn professional and has since built an impressive record of 6-0. Currently, he holds the title of African Champion and is ranked #25 globally.
Beyond the ring, Bola has gotten into the digital landscape and has made a strong presence as a content creator. With over 255,000 Instagram followers, he shares training tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his boxing career, and some lighthearted, funny content. He has collaborated with other influencers on parody and comedy skits, including humorous takes on the Jussie Smollett incident. In January 2024, Bola co-authored the book and has been diligently promoting it through various channels. His current focus remains on empowering others through physical fitness and excelling in his career as a boxer. He is deeply religious and often attributes his success and motivation to his faith.
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