NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Celebrities and lawmakers reacted with disgust, anger and sadness after "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett said he was viciously attacked in downtown Chicago by two masked men.
Smollett told police the men hurled racial and homophonic slurs at him, beat him, threw an "unknown substance" on him and put a rope around his neck early Tuesday morning. He took himself to an area hospital for treatment.
The 36-year-old actor, who is black and gay, plays Jamal Lyon on the hit Fox television show.
As police continue to investigate, many celebrities responded, including John Legend, Vivica A. Fox, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Jordan Peele and Sen. Cory Booker.
When the attackers used words like "f**got" and "n**ger," stop calling it a "possible" hate crime. It's a HATE CRIME. Period. This is atrocious. Standing with you @JussieSmollett #JusticeForJussie https://t.co/hjGIPrgbr4
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) January 29, 2019
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
god bless jussie may he have all the support he needs healing from this.
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) January 29, 2019
hella speechless. no words.
Sending my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett . This is unacceptable and they will be brought to justice.
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) January 29, 2019
DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019
When people make it an agenda to physically attack a person based on the color of their skin or sexual orientation, let's call it what it is. A hate crime. F*ck your hate. We will double it with love which you cannot take down. I stand with you #JussieSmollett
— Harry Shum Jr (@HarryShumJr) January 29, 2019
what happened to jussie makes me really fucking sick to my stomach. i can't believe shit like this is really still happening everyday. what kind of world ? sending all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change. what can we do ? tell me & i'm there.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 29, 2019




