Jussie Smollett Breaks His Silence After Homophobic And Racist Attack

Jussie Smollett has broken his silence after his homophobic and racist attack, which went down early Tuesday morning (January 29) in Chicago.

In an exclusive statement via ESSENCE, the Empire actor thanked his fans for the overwhelming amount of support, clarifying that he is indeed doing fine post-hospitalization. "Let me start by saying that I’m OK," he said in a statement. "My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words." Elsewhere in the statement, Smollett spoke about some of the misreported bits that have spread around the blogosphere, writing, "I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served."

"As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process,” he concluded. “Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me. With Love, respect & honor…Jussie."

Earlier this week, Smollet's family shared their thoughts on their beloved son and brother, writing, "Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country."

As we reported, Smollett was brutally attacked and hospitalized in Chicago on Tuesday morning around 2 AM by two men wearing ski masks. Smollett had just arrived in Chicago from New York and made a late-night run to Subway when someone yelled: "Aren't you that f**got Empire n**ga?" Both of the Caucasian men proceeded to attack the actor as he fought back, but they ended up beating him up and fracturing his rib. They also put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and yelled "This is MAGA country" during the incident. Smollett was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Photo: Getty Images


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