With its accompanying media fanfare, the case of the unraveling hate hoax put forward by “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has captured the attention and outrage of Americans.

The story Smollett put forward on Jan. 29 — that he was beaten, doused in chemicals, placed in a noose, and attacked with racial and homophobic epithets by two white Trump supporters who called out “MAGA country” when their assault ended — fell apart over the following month, as the Chicago Police Department devoted massive resources to uncovering that Smollett, who is black and gay, had directed two associates, both of whom are black, to stage the attack for an alleged $3,500. Though Smollett was indicted by a grand jury of 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct on March 7, all charges against the unrepentant actor were dropped on March 26.