UPDATE: Smollett has been released from the hospital but has yet to issue a statement. Celebs took to social media in support of the singer/songwriter/actor including Empire creator Lee Daniels.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOrBBmH6GK/
Empire star Jussie Smollett has been hospitalized in Chicago after a violent attack, one authorities are deeming an apparent hate crime.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. According to reports, two men wearing ski masks placed a noose around Jussie’s neck during the attack. The two men allegedly yelled, “This is MAGA country” and asked Smollett, “Aren’t you that f****t Empire n*****?”
Smollett fought back but the two men, both white, fractured one of his ribs and viciously attacked him. They put a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him as they left.
Per That Grape Juice, Jussie had recently received a letter with cut out letters spelling a derogatory statement, “You will die black f**”.
Chicago law enforcement is investigating the attack as battery. Smollett was later released from the hospital. The 35-year-old actor confirmed that he was gay during a 2015 interview on Ellen and hoped that other gay individuals would feel less alone in the world.
‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Hospitalized In Chicago After Alleged Homophobic Attack was originally published on myhoustonmajic.com