It’s a shame that this is the news that has to be reported but we live in a day and age where things like this are far too common. It was first reported TMZ that Empire actor, Jussie Smollett, was attacked in Chicago in what is being called a possible hate crime.
Smollett, who is openly gay, was attacked by two people “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs” and “poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim,” police said. According to police, one of Smollett’s alleged attackers also put a rope around his neck. Both fled the scene.
Smollett took himself to Northwestern Hospital and “is in good condition” but is obviously shaken & saddened by the experience. It’s also being reported that Smollett put up a fight and it was clear he was targeted due to his race and sexual preference due to obscenities they were spewing. According to TMZ, the actor arrived in Chicago from New York late Monday, and at around 2 AM he was hungry and went to a Subway. Shortly after he walked out on his way home, someone yelled, “Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire‘ n*****?” The two men were white & wearing ski masks & although Smollett is ok, it’s reported that he has a fractured rib from the attack.
Smollett has starred on Fox’s Empire since 2015. He plays Jamal, a successful singer in the musical Lyon family. Like his character, Smollett identifies as gay. FOX had this to say about the incident:
“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 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.”
As of this writing, the suspects have not been apprehended but I hope that the more this story spreads, someone who knows something reports it & brings these individuals to justice.
