'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett Hospitalized Following Possible Racist and Homophobic Hate Crime
By Jennifer Fabiano
Empire star Jussie Smollett was attacked as the result of a possible hate crime in Chicago less than 24 hours after landing in the Midwestern city, according to USA Today. The actor was hospitalized after a possible homophobic and “racially-charged assault and battery,” chief of the Chicago Police Department said on Tuesday.
Smollett joined Empire in 2015 to play gay character Jamal Lyon.
“Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline,” a CPD press release stated.
Smollett was walking on Tuesday when two unknown offenders started yelling “racial and homophobic slurs” at him. The offenders hit Smollett multiple times, poured an unknown chemical substance on him, and wrapped a rope around his neck. After, Smollett transported himself to Northwestern Hospital and is now in good condition, according to the police.
“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,” read a statement from 20th Century Fox Television. “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.”
The 35-year-old actor came out as gay during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March 2015.