Smollett's motive is the lie in a sea of truth Chicago Police Superintendent Johnson stated in the Smollett’s arrest press conference that Smollett’s motive for the fake hate crime debacle was that Smollett was unhappy about his pay on the show Empire.  This is the lie in the sea of truth.  In order to get away with a big lie when your hand is caught in the cookie jar it is necessary to tell the truth. However, since everyone already knows Smollett manufactured the incident the only thing that can still be concealed is the true motive. Some will say “what does the motive matter now that we know he manufactured the hate crime?”  The motive IS the most important part. What was he trying to accomplish by doing this?  He just wanted sonme more money??? That might satisfy most people, but we know you can do better Anons. Happy Hunting.