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Home · Entertainment

‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Hospitalized After Racist And Homophobic Attack

Police are investigating a possible hate crime against the "Empire" star after an attack in Chicago.
‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Hospitalized After Racist And Homophobic Attack
By Britni Danielle · Updated December 6, 2020
The Chicago Police Department is investigating a possible hate crime against Empire star Jussie Smollett. Smollett had just returned to Chicago from New York, TMZ reports, when he was out grabbing a quick bite to eat from Subway around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.
The actor was accosted by two men who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him. The men reportedly called Smollett “that f-ggot Empire n—er” before beating him and and tying a rope around his neck. A statement from the Chicago Police Department also noted that the men “poured an unknown chemical substance” on Smollett. The men also allegedly told Smollett, “This is MAGA country.” After the violence incident, the actor was able to get himself to a local hospital, where he is reportedly in good condition. Smollett’s peers and fans, including his Empire co-stars Vivica A. Fox and Mario, immediately sent words of encouragement to the actor as he recovers from the harrowing incident.

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

Just to chi town and I hear this news about @JussieSmollett ! Sorry bro. We love you

— Mario (@OHYESMARIO) January 29, 2019

This is heartbreaking and terrifying...please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/YTJ6bwLDkZ

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2019

I am shaking. I am angry. I am so hurt for you my friend @JussieSmollett. Prayers for your speedy recovery and swift justice for the rotting human flesh carcasses who did this to you. I love you. Story here: https://t.co/H4Ipvci2Vz pic.twitter.com/Vfc5kxlBCq

— Robin Thede (@robinthede) January 29, 2019
The Chicago Police Department issued a statement Tuesday asking for the public’s help to identify the men who attacked Smollett by calling tip line, 312-747-8382 or visit cpdtip.com
TOPICS:  Jussie Smollett
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