SPEAKING OUT

‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett on Attack: ‘I’m OK’

“There is still a responsibility to lead with love... And that can’t be kicked out of me,” Smollett said in a statement.

Jussie Smollett is speaking out after he was allegedly attacked in Chicago earlier this week. “Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” the Empire star and LGBTQ+ activist began in his statement to Essence. “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.” “I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level,” he continued. “Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.” “I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident,” Smollett added. “Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love... And that can’t be kicked out of me.”

Two men allegedly attacked Smollett on the streets of Chicago. He told police they yelled “racial and homophobic slurs” and tied a rope around his neck.

Prejudice

What Jussie Smollett's Attack Reveals About Hate Crime

Samantha Allen