“Empire” actor, Jussie Smollett, 36, has been involved in a hate crime attack early Tuesday morning in Chicago.
Smollett was attacked by two people who were yelling racial and homophobic slurs and also poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim while wrapping a rope around the victim’s neck.
Sources say the attackers gained Smollett’s attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him for him to react.
Smollett said in a follow-up interview that his attackers yelled out, “This is a MAGA country.” referring to the “Make America Great Again” slogan to Donald Trump and his presidency campaign.
“CPD Officer Michael Carroll confirmed to USA TODAY that the FBI is investigating a threatening letter containing a white substance that was sent to Smollett at Fox’s Chicago studios on Jan. 22. The powder was later determined to be acetaminophen, or Tylenol.” – www.usatoday.com
Photo pictured above is letter sent to Smollett at Fox Studios in Chicago, IL.
(Credit: Twitter.com)
20th Century Fox Television made a public statement about the attack on the actor on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our ‘Empire’ family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice,” the statement read. “The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate – and especially against one of our own.”
Social media, fans and celebrities are offering overwhelming support towards the actor.
what happened to jussie makes me really fucking sick to my stomach. i can’t believe shit like this is really still happening everyday. what kind of world ? sending all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change. what can we do ? tell me & i’m there.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 29, 2019
We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this to @JussieSmollett, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 29, 2019
Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019
DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019
Donald Trump even spoke on the hate attack against Smollett. “That I can tell you is horrible. It doesn’t get worse,” Trump told reporters from the White House.
Detectives have collected and are reviewing more surveillance video from neighboring hotels and apartments, but have not found video of the incident.
On Wednesday, police released photos of two individuals who are now wanted for questioning in connection with the case.
(Credit: CNN)
“What happened to Smollett was horrible and is definitely a hate crime. I hope they find the attackers.” – Arianna, LHS student.