‘Empire’ Actor Jussie Smollett Targeted in Racial & Homophobic Hate Crime

Two MAGA supporters brutally attacked Empire actor Jussie Smollett in what the Chicago police are investigating as a possible hate crime.

According to police reports, the Empire star was walking home at 2 AM when he was approached by two men who were yelling out homophobic and racial slurs, attacking Smollett who later fractured a rib. The two men tied a noose around Smollett’s neck, poured acid on him and yelled “this is MAGA country” as they fled. The actor took himself to Northwestern Memorial to be treated. Authorities are now investigating and gathering possible video footage.

A couple of days before the attack, a letter was sent to Fox Studios with a cutout letter spelling out “You will die black f**.” The envelope itself was addressed to Smollett and in the upper left corner of the envelope the infamous acronym MAGA.

Smollett plays Jamal Lyon—a gay character—in the TV drama Empire. The actor later came out publicly in 2015.

Fox issued a 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.”

Empire creator Lee Daniels took to Instagram to give his reaction about the incident, calling Smollett “my son” and how nobody “deserves to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called ‘die f–got n–ga.’” Daniels continues, saying, “You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. It starts at home. It starts at home, yo. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are because it shows we are united on a united front and no racist f— can come in and do the things that they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie. I’m with you.” he ends the video saying “it’s just another f—ing day in America.”

Smollett was discharged from the hospital Tuesday morning and is in good condition according to the police report. The Empire cast will allegedly tighten security while they go forward with the filming of the rest of the season.