As you likely know by now, Jussie Smollett has been the victim of a vicious assault.
The Empire actor was walking in Chicago early Tuesday morning when two men brutally attacked him for being African-American and for being gay.
Each detail that comes out about the incident is more horrifying than the one before.
What’s the latest on the crime, the investigation and the status of Jussie Smollett?
We’ll do our best to keep the following summation up to date, as we bring readers up to speed on all that has transpired so far — and as we pray both the well-being of Smollett and our country as a whole.
When Did the Attack Take Place?
Around 2 a.m. on the streets of Chicago, as Jussie Smollett was walking to Subway to get a bite to eat after he arrived in the Windy City for work.
What Preempted the attack?
Someone yelled out to Smollet, “Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?” as he was on his way to Subway.
Jesus. And From there?
The two men — both white and donning ski masks — brutally attacked the actor as he fought back — but they beat fractured a rib and left his face bloody.
This Was a Hate Crime
They also put a rope around his neck, poured some kind of substance on him (believed to be bleach) on him and as screamed “This is MAGA country” as they left.
The Actor Came Out on Ellen
He very casually and candidly talked about his sexuality with Ellen DeGeneres in March of 2015
What is His Physical Status Now?
Smollett got himself to Northwestern Memorial, where he was treated and then discharged later Tuesday morning.
He Had Been Recently Threatened
ThatGrapeJuice.Net first shared this letter, which was sent to Fox Studios in Chicago with cut out letters spelling, “You will die black f**.” It was sent eight days before the attack.
We Believe This is a Photo of Smollett in the Hospital
It was posted by TMZ.
Security Has Been Hired
For the entire cast of Empire, that is. The stars were told about the attack late Tuesday morning when they went in to work.
FOX Issues a Statement
It reads: “We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.”
The FBI Has Been on the Case
Federal agents had been looking into the threat surrounding Smollett ever since he received that letter.
Is There Surveillance Video?
Police have obtained some footage of Smollett walking down the street from a Target store in the area and are hoping to gather more video evidence from other stores in the vicinity.
Smollett Has Spoken to the Police
He reportedly still had the rope around his neck when officers talked to him at 2:42 a.m. on Tuesday, at which time he confirmed the “MAGA country” comment.
The Official Statement
Courtesy of the Chicago Police Department: “Overnight, the Chicago Police Department received a report of a possible racially-charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire. Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime. Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline. The victim is fully cooperating with investigators and we ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382 or report it anonymously to www.cpdtip.com.”
He Had Previously Turned Down Extra Security
TMZ reports that Smollett did not want increased security around him after that awful letter was sent and received last week.
Empire Will Continue to Film
Whatever changes need to be made to Smollett’s schedule will be made, of course, but there will be no extended halt to production.
Messages of Shock and Support Continue to Pour In
Tweeted Ariana Grande, for example: “what happened to jussie makes me really fucking sick to my stomach. i can’t believe shit like this is really still happening everyday. what kind of world ? sending all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change. what can we do ? tell me & i’m there.”
Mindy Kaling:
Viola Davis:
Zendaya:
Shonda Rhimes:
Matt Bomer:
Margaret Cho:
Kerry Washington:
John Legend:
Janet Mock:
George Takei:
Candice Patton:
Billy Eichner:
Andy Cohen:
Our Thoughts Go Out to Smollett
You can watch the video above for more on the attack, as we also pass along our thoughts and best wishes to Smollett.
UPDATE: Police Have Released These Images of the Suspects
They got them off surveillance cameras in the area.
UPDATE: Smollett Has Released a Statement
“Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” Smollett told Essence magazine, adding: 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.”
The Statement Continued:
“I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent 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.”
And It Concluded:
“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. 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.”
Jussie Performed in Los Angeles on February 2
He clarified to the crowd that he fought back, did NOT break any ribs and did see a doctor. But was never hospitalized.