*Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, the Nigerian brothers who were involved in what Chicago police allege was a staged hate crime by and against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, have apologized according to their attorney.

“My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves,” attorney Gloria Schmidt said in a statement to CBS Chicago.

The Osundairo brothers were initially arrested as suspects who attacked Smollett who is gay, reported that he was beaten by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs, and “This is MAGA country!” — and then doused him with bleach and left a noose around his neck.

Well, as you know, at this point, police are also alleging that the actor paid Olabinjo and Abimbola $3500 to do the beating outside his apartment building in early February.

Investigators believe he staged the attack “because he was dissatisfied with his salary,” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has said, citing information the brothers gave authorities.

Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct and is barred from leaving the state without permission from a judge. His next court date is March 14.