CELEBRITIES BACK EMPIRE STAR ATTACKED HOMOPHOBIC CRIME
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Celebrities have rallied around Empire star Jussie Smollett after he was attacked in what police suspect was a hate crime.
The 35-year-old actor, who is black and came out as gay in 2015, was approached by two men in downtown Chicago at about 2am yesterday, police said.
He was struck in the face before having an “unknown chemical substance” poured over him and a rope wrapped around his neck, according to investigators.
The suspects shouted racial and homophobic slurs during the attack, police said. No arrests have been made.
Police also confirmed Smollett told them his attackers made reference to MAGA – Make America Great Again – which was Donald Trump’s slogan during the 2016 US presidential campaign.
Smollett has starred on Fox’s musical drama Empire since 2015. He plays Jamal, the gay son of a music mogul.
Smollett took himself to Chicago’s Northwestern Hospital and “is in good condition”, police said.
Following the attack, Ariana Grande was among the celebrities to offer support.
Grande said the incident left her “sick to my stomach” and sent, “all of the healing energy/love I possibly can and hoping for change”.
Grande added: “What can we do ? tell me & i’m there.”
Actress Olivia Munn wrote on Twitter the attack was, “why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussie’s life matters”.
Alyssa Milano said she was struggling to put her feelings into a “neat & tidy tweet”, adding, “Living together on the planet shouldn’t be this difficult”.
Michael B Jordan wrote on Instagram: “Stand with my brother jussiesmollett sending you light and love. Be strong We got you.”
Queer Eye host Jonathan Van Ness said “queer people are attacked every single day”, adding: “We have not come as far as we think.”
Nigerian male-barbie, Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky also reacting to the attack via his Instagram page disclosed that he’s not surprised the actor was attacked as hearts of men are desperately wicked.
He wrote;
‘Heartbroken, don’t even have the words right now! How inhumane, but it’s no surprise as the hearts of men are desperately wicked. Sending you love and light, Get well soon. No man deserves to be judged just because he sins differently! May the angels protect you, You are loved!’.
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