An angry Chicago Police Chief Eddie Johnson had harsh words today for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who has been arrested and charged with making a false police report when he alleged he was a victim of a hate crime in Chicago on Jan. 29.

“This publicity stunt was a scar that Chicago didn’t earn and certainly didn’t deserve,” Johnson said, adding: “This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary.”

“First, Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic and political language,” Johnson said. “When that didn’t work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack and drag Chicago’s reputation through the mud in the process.”

Johnson had much more to say — here’s a video of his comments today, posted by CBS News …