Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyon in Fox’s drama series Empire has been hospitalized following an attack in Chicago at 2:00 am on Tuesday morning.
Smollett was approached by two men wearing ski masks who yelled racist and homophobic slurs at the actor. They then put a noose around his neck and proceeded to punch him, before pouring a chemical substance on him.
According to police, the men were yelling “This is MAGA country”, in reference to Donald Trump’s presidential slogan “Make America Great Again”.
Smollett took himself to a hospital where he is currently being treated and is in “good condition”, as he works with police and detectives.
The FBI has now taken over the investigation.
A spokesperson from the police released a statement regarding the attack:
“Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime.”
Since news of the attack broke, celebrities and politicians alike have condemned the nature of the assault, while offering support and well wishes to Smollett, who came out as gay on The Ellen Show in 2015.
Viola Davis shared a photo of Smollett on Instagram:
“We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally. My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved!”
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted her support:
“Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today.”
Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today. ❤️
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2019
Singer Janelle Monae wrote on Instagram:
“It is still a risk daily to be a BLACK, OUT and PROUD human being.”
US Senator Kamala Harris condemned the attack in the strongest terms:
.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2019
“This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality, or the colour of their skin. We must confront this hate.”
Disgusted by the ugly prejudice and bigotry behind this violence. Sending love to @JussieSmollett & to anyone that has been hurt by the hatred of those who fear difference. As a society, we continue to fail LGBTQIA+ communities and PoC. pic.twitter.com/FFRPIbhOip
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) January 30, 2019
Emma Watson tweeted her support to Smollett and added:
“As a society, we continue to fail LGBTQIA+ communities and POC.”
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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