Donald Trump today blasted actor Jussie Smollett accusing him of insulting millions with his "racist and dangerous comments".
Chicago police said on Thursday that Smollett staged a racist and homophobic attack against him last month because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted publicity.
Smollett, who is black and gay, reported on January 29 that he was attacked while walking home from a sandwich shop.
He claimed masked men beat him, made derogatory comments and yelled "This is MAGA country" - an apparent reference to Mr Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.
The president addressed the star on Twitter, where he is followed by 58.5 million people, saying: “@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA”
Police said Smollett had actually sent himself a racist and homophobic letter and claimed he was attacked because he was unhappy with his salary.
Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said the actor "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career".
Mr Johnson said at a news conference Smollett sent a racist and homophobic threatening letter to himself at the Fox studio lot before an alleged attack.
He also said he was "dissatisfied with his salary".
Smollett was charged on Wednesday and turned himself in early on Thursday.
