Celebrities and politicians rally around the Empire actor who was attacked in a suspected hate crime…
Jussie Smollett, an openly gay actor, LGBTQ advocate and one of the stars of the hit TV show Empire, was attacked in Chicago in what police are investigating as a suspected hate crime.
It’s alleged that two men shouting racial and homophobic slurs physically attacked the 36-year-old actor as he was walking downtown early Tuesday morning. Smollett was treated and released from a Chicago-area hospital following the attack and is reported to be recovering at home.
Reaction from stars has been swift with many taking to social media to show their support for Smollett and to condemn the hateful attack.
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres tweeted: “Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today.”
Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today. ❤️
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2019
Olympic figure skater and media personality Adam Rippon also took to Twitter writing, “What happened to Jussie has me feeling so upset. I don’t [sic] want to believe that we are still in a world where attacks like his can happen. Jussie, I don’t know you, but I love you. The men that attached [sic] him are disgusting. They are monsters.”
What happened to Jussie has me feeling so upset. I dont want to believe that we still live in a world where attacks like this can happen. Jussie, I don’t know you, but I love you. The men that attached him are disgusting. They are monsters.
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) January 30, 2019
Author and transgender rights activist Janet Mock sent out a tweet that was short and sweet: “WE LOVE YOU, @JussieSmollett!!!”
WE LOVE YOU, @JussieSmollett ! ! !
— Janet Mock (@janetmock) January 29, 2019
Dan Levy, co-creator and star of Schitt’s Creek, tweeted that the attack was “horrifying, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing” and called on his followers to “combat this hate by donating to a Black/LGBTQ organization today.”
Horrifying, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing. Combat this hate by donating to a Black/LGBTQ organization today. https://t.co/V0fKEzBuhH
— dan levy (@danjlevy) January 29, 2019
Politicians are also expressing support for Smollett and speaking out against racism and homophobia.
Kamala Harris, United States Senator and candidate for president, sent out a tweet that read: “.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
This was an attempted modern-day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.”
.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2019
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JUMOL ROYES is a Toronto-based writer, content creator and communications strategist with a keen interest in personal development and transformation. Follow him on Twitter @Jumol
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