Hollywood is rallying behind “Empire” star Jussie Smollett after the actor was brutally attacked Tuesday in Chicago in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.
Smollett, 36, was walking around 2 a.m., police said, when two people he didn't know started yelling racial and homophobic slurs at him, ABC 7 in Chicago reported.
After being verbally accosted, the two men allegedly struck Smollett in the face with their hands and poured a chemical on him, ABC 7 reported. Police said one attacker wrapped a rope around Smollett’s neck before the two ran away.
UPDATE: We continue to seek any available evidence/video to identify possible offenders in this case. Anyone who may hv been in area of 300 E North Water St btwn 1-3a should send info to https://t.co/g9Q1Srtgmc. Thus far we have not found anything to be able put out a description pic.twitter.com/wxdA0OOjZz
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 29, 2019
ABC News has now reported the FBI is stepping in because of a mailed threat sent to the star eight days ago.
Once news of the attack broke, celebrities and politicians turned out on social media to support Smollett, and to condemn racist and homophobic attacks.
OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 29, 2019
We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved! https://t.co/bprDZ3Luah
I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW! 😢😢🙇🏾♀️🙇🏾♀️ pic.twitter.com/p4GqfNW3An
— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) January 29, 2019
.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
— 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 color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 29, 2019
To those in Congress who don't feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention. https://t.co/EwXFxl5f2m
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
MORE: AJC interview with Jussie Smollett
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