Biden, Harris led frenzy to amplify Jussie Smollett's false hate crime claims

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty on five charges of staging a hate crime and lying to police on Thursday, raising questions as to whether or not several high-profile political figures would offer apologies or attempt to clarify their public defense of his innocence.

"What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country," President Biden, tweeted in January 2019 when he was mulling a presidential run, "We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie."

What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie. https://t.co/o8ilPu68CM

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 30, 2019