Empire Star Jussie Smollett Assaulted in Chicago

Jussie Smollett was admitted to hospital following an attack that is being described as a possible hate crime. The musician and Empire star was approached by two men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him at approximately 2am on Tuesday, according to a police statement provided to The Independent.

 “The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim,” the statement reads.“At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck.”

The offenders fled the scene and Smollett, 36 took himself to Northwestern Hospital, according to the statement (which does not name Smollett but makes mention of a 36-year-old member of the Empire cast). Smollett is now in “good condition”, according to the police. Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyon in Empire, has publicly identified as gay, telling Out magazine in 2016: ”I am a gay man with an extremely open heart.”

Jussie has told police his attackers also made reference to “MAGA” (Make America Great Again). The slogan was used by Donald Trump during the 2016 US presidential campaign. Oscar winner Viola Davis and supermodel Naomi Campbell are among those sharing their support.

Authorities are treating the attack as “a possible hate crime” and have asked anyone with information to contact the police at 312-747-8382 or www.cpdtip.com. Police say the incident happened on the 300 block of E North Lower Water Street in Chicago.

Smollett received rave reviews for his breakout role as Jamal Lyon on “Empire.” The character publicly came out as gay during the show’s record-breaking first season. Smollett himself came out during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2015.

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