There are levels of hate crimes. The worst, of course, is murder. However, just one step up from murder is an attack that happened late last night. Chicago police relayed what happened to a popular actor who stars in Empire.
Two white men approached Jussie Smollet wearing ski masks . As they brutally attacked him, the police reported that they also were also “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs,” according to TMZ:
‘Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?’
‘This is MAGA country!’
Police continued with the grim details of the crime:
‘(The offenders)Â poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim.’
The police department also reported that Smollett fought back, but he was overcome by the homophobic men. One of the actor’s alleged attackers then place a rope around the victim’s neck. Then, the two fled. It was not apparent why they left at that time.
Jussie took himself to Northwestern Memorial where he was treated for being badly beaten and a fractured rib. He was discharged later Tuesday morning.
Police relayed that the actor “is in good condition.” The statement continued noting that the department was taking this “very seriously” and called it 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.’
Fox issued this statement saying:
‘We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.’
Smollett joined Fox’s Empire in 2015, and he stars as Jamal, a successful singer in the musical Lyon family who is gay. Smollett also identifies as gay.
A GLAAD spokesperson released a statement writing. The organization told CNN that it had reached out to the actor, because it wanted to provide him any support and assistance Smollett wanted:
‘Jussie is a true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world.’
CNN reported:
‘Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382.’
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
