There was doubt about Smollett's story within a couple of days. As soon as word got out that he wouldn't alliw investigators access to his cell phone, I smelled a rat. It made it harder for victims of real hate crimes to be believed. Anyone so selfish and driven by greed for fame and fortune that they would do what he did is no victim. This is one example where the criminal justice system worked. Those for whom it does not deserve our sympathy and help where possible. Smollett deserves what he's getting.