An assault on actor Jussie Smollett, believed to be fuelled by homophobic and racist cowardice, has unleashed a backlash on social media.
The black and openly gay Empire star was attacked in Chicago by assailants carrying a noose and a “chemical substance” in what police are calling a “possible racially-charged assault and battery”.
Smollett, 35, was walking around 2 am on Tuesday “when two unknown attackers approached him and gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him,” the Chicago Police Department said.
“The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim.”
One attacker “wrapped a rope around Smollett’s neck”.
They fled the scene. Smollett transported himself to hospital and, writes TMZ, was discharged the same day.
BEATEN: Attacked by two assailants. Photo: Instagram
“Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime,” police said.
Smollett’s Empire character Jamal Lyon is a gay R&B musician who has faced homophobic criticism from his mogul father.
He admitted to being gay on Ellen, saying he doesn’t speak about his personal life.
Fellow gay actor Matt Bomer tweeted: “Sending my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett. This is unacceptable and they will be brought to justice.”
An outraged Viola Davis wrote: “OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate! We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you.”
Crooner John Legend also sent his love to “Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack”, adding, “We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.”