The incident is reported to have occured when the actor left his apartment building. His next-door neighbour, Steven Down, tells WHO he was upset to hear what happened to Smollett. “He’s always been a very friendly, outgoing, warm and personable neighbour,” he says. “I was shocked when I read the news. I did send my message to him personally but I haven’t heard from him or spoken with him. My thoughts are with him.”
Empire creator Lee Daniels posted an emotional video on Instagram shortly after news of the attack broke. “You didn’t deserve — nor does anybody deserve — to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called, ‘Die, f—t n—r’ or whatever they said to you,” he said.
Many of Smollett's colleagues, friends and supporters also took to social media to express their condemnation of the attack and to send messages of love to the star, who is said by Chicago P.D. to be in “good condition.”
Co-star Vivica A. Fox tweeted, "IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE!", while executive producer Danny Strong wrote, "I’m deeply horrified and saddened by the racist and homophobic attacks against @JussieSmollett. He is a kind and profoundly talented soul whom I respect with all my heart. The terror of racism and homophobia has no place in our society, it is the most indecent way to live … whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie’s talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come.”
John Legend, George Takei, Matt Bomer and Zendaya were among the many to also post messages about the attack.