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Jussie Smollett, an actor in the TV show Empire, was walking the streets of Chicago early Tuesday morning before he was viciously attacked by two white males in what is now being investigated as an alleged hate crime.
The 35-year-old actor, who is black and openly gay, was left alone and vulnerable at the scene. The two men proceeded in a verbal attack towards Smollett, shouting both racial and homophobic slurs. They continued their hateful actions as they physically attacked the actor’s face and poured bleach all over his body. The assault concluded with one of the criminals wrapping a rope around his neck. These inhumane actions of hate definitely shocked the majority of people and drew the attention of the media.
People responded with their love and support for the victim. Empire’s co-executive producer, Danny Strong, issued an official statement on Twitter addressing this sickening incident. He made it very clear that this was an action based upon racism and homophobia.
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…
— Danny Strong (@Dannystrong) January 29, 2019
A representative for GLAAD, a non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBTQ people, reached out and showed their support for Smollett saying, “Jussie is a true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world.”
