The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that Empire star Jussie Smollett was involved in a “racially-charged assault and battery” on Tues., Jan. 29. The 35-year-old actor was transported to the city’s Northwestern Hospital following an attack that has Smollett’s friends, colleagues and fans reeling.
A statement released by Chicago PD states Smollett “was walking … when two unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him. The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim. At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck. The offenders fled the scene.”
A police spokesperson tells WHO that no arrests have been made nor are there any solid suspects. The officer says the attackers were wearing masks but will not confirm what they said, only that it was racially charged and homophobic. TMZ reported that one attacker allegedly yelled, “This is MAGA country,” but WHO has not been able to corroborate that. Smollett thinks the liquid thrown on him was bleach, but detectives have yet to confirm that. Smollett was by himself at the time of the attack.
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.
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