‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett recovering after racist, homophobic attack

Empire star Jussie Smollett is currently in the hospital after a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago late Monday night.

According to TMZ, two men wearing ski masks approached Smollett, who is openly gay, outside of a Subway. They yelled racist and homophobic slurs at the actor and put his head in a noose.

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The Chicago Police said in a statement that the alleged attackers also “pour an unknown chemical substance on the victim” and fled the scene. Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

“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,” CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

Chicago Police Department just sent out this statement re:
Jussie Smollett pic.twitter.com/DxQswZn8xd

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 29, 2019

Smollett transported himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is in “good condition.”

The 36-year-old actor plays openly gay Jamal Lyon on the FOX musical drama. The show premiered in 2015 and films in Chicago for most of the year. He stars alongside Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Bryshere Gray.

Many people including actors, writers and fans commented on the incident and hoped for the best for Smollett after the horrible attack.

Sending love and healing prayers to my brother @JussieSmollett . Keep living and being you.  #HateCrimes pic.twitter.com/218T1EG5fb

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) January 29, 2019

I am so sorry to hear what happened to @JussieSmollett. It’s unacceptable. I hope he knows how many people are thinking of him and  committed to holding this administration and its ilk accountable for this hothouse of hate being fostered.

— roxane gay (@rgay) January 29, 2019

Please send all your love to @JussieSmollett today. And please teach your children the basic tenets of love, kindness, and respect for all human beings.

— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) January 29, 2019

Sending my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett . This is unacceptable and they will be brought to justice.

— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) January 29, 2019

I am shaking. I am angry. I am so hurt for you my friend @JussieSmollett. Prayers for your speedy recovery and swift justice for the rotting human flesh carcasses who did this to you. I love you. Story here: https://t.co/H4Ipvci2Vz pic.twitter.com/Vfc5kxlBCq

— Robin Thede (@robinthede) January 29, 2019

.@JussieSmollett is one of the fiercest people I know. This hatred won’t stop his championing for a better world. If anything, it will probably motivate him more. It has me.

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) January 29, 2019

This is heartbreaking and terrifying…please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/YTJ6bwLDkZ

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2019

.@JussieSmollett has always been a part of the TIME’S UP family. Our hearts are with him and the Smolletts, and all those who have ever been a target of this kind of despicable hate.

— TIME’S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) January 29, 2019