Empire actor Jussie Smollett was hospitalized early this morning after surviving a physical attack in Chicago, according to a report by TMZ.
The tabloid news site reports that Smollett was attacked early Tuesday morning by two men wearing ski masks after leaving a Subway restaurant. The assailants allegedly asked Smollett "Aren't you that f****t Empire n****r?" before beating him.
The Advocate also reports that the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime by Chicago authorities.
After news broke out of the Jussie's horrific attack, many notable celebrities (many of whom are friends with and have worked with Jussie) took to Twitter to send the actor well wishes and remind everyone that hateful, homophobic, and racist rhetoric has real life consequences.
\u201cI wish what happened to my baby was just one big bad joke but it wasn\u2019t and we all feel his pain right now. @jussiesmollett is pure love to the bone AND THAT IS WHY SO MANY ARE FEELING\u2026 https://t.co/AIaBaDvx7g\u201d— Taraji P. Henson (@Taraji P. Henson) 1548867433
\u201cWe love you, @JussieSmollett. We will protect you and support you and ride for you. You know who we are. \ud83d\udda4\u201d— Ava DuVernay (@Ava DuVernay) 1548801593
\u201cOMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!\n\nWe ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved! https://t.co/bprDZ3Luah\u201d— Viola Davis (@Viola Davis) 1548791119
\u201cFour years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I\u2019m sending him and his family so much love today. \u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Ellen DeGeneres (@Ellen DeGeneres) 1548800550
None— \ud835\udd93\ud835\udd86\ud835\udd94\ud835\udd92\ud835\udd8e (@\ud835\udd93\ud835\udd86\ud835\udd94\ud835\udd92\ud835\udd8e) 1548799896
\u201csending u my love \ud83d\udc9c\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\u201d— Janet Jackson (@Janet Jackson) 1548792600
\u201cWE LOVE YOU, @JussieSmollett ! ! !\u201d— Janet Mock (@Janet Mock) 1548783720
\u201cOur thoughts are with Jussie Smollett after this horrifying attack. It\u2019s a tragic reminder that racism and homophobia are still rampant in the U.S. @HRC applauds the Chicago Police Department for investigating this attack against @JussieSmollett as a possible hate crime.\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1548782975
\u201cThis sickening, vile reported attack on @EmpireFOX star @JussieSmollett is a disturbing reminder of the terrible homophobia & racism that plagues society. We stand with you, Jussie and will never stop fighting against this kind of hateful violence. https://t.co/kMROwpmKao\u201d— ADL (@ADL) 1548784536
\u201cDEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.\u201d— kerry washington (@kerry washington) 1548785176
\u201cThere are so many fears, dangers and uniquely isolating aspects that comes with living at the intersection of being a Black and gay man. What Jussie Smollet survived is confluence of nightmares. As is the media dialogue and response to the situation.\u201d— Phillip (@Phillip) 1548783602
\u201cSending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.\u201d— John Legend (@John Legend) 1548784224
\u201cWords fail, but know this, @JussieSmollett is our son, our brother and the word LOVE seems insufficient. We stand with you and pray for your speedy recovery. This will not go unanswered. When you attack one of us, you will answer to ALL OF US. Know that.\u201d— Wilson Cruz (@Wilson Cruz) 1548785094
\u201cI was just in Chicago with Jussie a few days ago & we talked about the threats. Today feels surreal. I\u2019m speechless.\u201d— deray (@deray) 1548785479
\u201cWe ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this to @JussieSmollett, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.\u201d— shonda rhimes (@shonda rhimes) 1548787162
“Gay people are too sensitive.” “Gays can’t take a joke.” “Why can’t you joke about beating the gay out of someone? It’s JUST a joke.” https://t.co/8CiJJDkldR
\u201cThis is horrific. What kind of country do we live in. https://t.co/unvzWmo6XD\u201d— George Takei (@George Takei) 1548782650
\u201cI just hope there is justice in this hateful and targeted act of violence. Sending @jussiesmollett my love and wishing him a speedy recovery. We love you. https://t.co/CReCJi2Hn6\u201d— Zendaya (@Zendaya) 1548788670
