Hollywood Actor, Jussie Smollett, popularly known for his role in the popular Television series, “Empire” was attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 29, 2019. The Chicago police refer to the attack as a possible hate crime.
Smollett was reportedly attacked by two people who were yelling out racial and homophobic slurs and also went ahead to pour an unknown chemical substance on the victim.
According to police, one of Smollett’s alleged attackers also put a rope around his neck before they both fled the scene.
Police informed CNN that Smollet took himself to Northwestern Hospital and “is in good condition.”
On Tuesday, January 29, CNN’s representative, Don Lemon spoke to Smollett and a mutual friend and the actor confirmed the occurrence of the sad incident. According to him, he was shaken and angry that such could happen and he fought back his attackers.
The police have however stated that they are taking the investigation seriously.
“Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime,” the police statement said.
The 36-year-old actor 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.
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The Fox Television and Fox Entertainment in a statement to CNN expressed their concern towards the attack on Jussie Smollett.
“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.”
