Jussie Smollett is allegedly the target of a homophobic attack that is being investigated as a hate crime. Smollett, who stars in the FOX hit show “Empire,” was reportedly hospitalized on Tuesday morning after being attacked by two masked men.
“Sources directly connected to Jussie tell TMZ, the actor arrived in Chicago from New York late Monday, and at around 2 AM he was hungry and went to a Subway. We’re told when he walked out, someone yelled, ‘Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?’,” TMZ reports.
The 2 men — both white and wearing ski masks — viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back, but they beat him badly and fractured a rib. They put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and as they left they yelled, ‘This is MAGA country.’
Smollett had received letters a few days earlier calling out his race and sexuality, according to multiple reports.
“You will die black f**,” the letter reportedly read.
According to FOX 32, Gollett is currently in good condition. Authorities are reportedly looking at security video to determine what happened and in an attempt to identify any suspects.
“Overnight, the Chicago Police Department received a report of a possible racially-charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire. Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime. Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline. The victim is fully cooperating with investigators and we ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382 or report it anonymously to http://www.cpdtip.com,” police said in a statement.
Our deepest condolences are with Smollett’s family and friends during this incredibly awful time.
Who Is Jussie Smollett?
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982. The actor, singer, director, and photographer is best known for his standout role as Jamal Lyon on the FOX hit show Empire. Smollett also starred in The Mighty Ducks.