Empire's Jussie Smollett hospitalized after being viciously attacked in a possible hate crime

People

Chicago police are investigating a “racially-charged assault and battery" on the Empire star early this morning, saying "given the severity of the allegations we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime." TMZ first reported the news that two white men confronted Smollett on the street and yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him while referencing his role on Empire. The two men then proceeded to "beat him badly." "They put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and as they left they yelled, 'This is MAGA country,'" according to TMZ. Smollett was hospitalized and discharged a few hours later. Chicago police released a statement saying, “A 36 year old man was walking … when two unknown offenders approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him. The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim. At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck. The offenders fled the scene.” Meanwhile, GLAAD has reached out to Fox and Smollett's team to offer any help. "Jussie is a true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world," GLAAD said in a statement.

UPDATE:

• Fox and 20th Century Fox Television responds to the attack: "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 co-creator Danny Strong tweeted: 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...whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie’s talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come."
• Empire co-creator Lee Daniels posts an emotional video: "Jussie you are my son...You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that...No racist f*ck can come in and do the things they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie. I'm with you. I'll be there in a minute. It's just another f*cking day in America."