Empire Star Jussie Smollett Recovering After Homophobic Attack in Chicago

Actor Jussie Smollett claims he was assaulted in a homophobic and racially fueled attack overnight in Chicago.

Now, police say there is surveillance video placing Smollett near the scene of the alleged crime, but there is no video of the attackers.

“You didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves to have a noose put around their neck,” Lee Daniels, creator of the TV show Empire, said in an Instagram post.

The photo along with the post appears to show Smollet with a cut under his eye.

According to ABC News, federal authorities will assist the Chicago Police Department into the case, which is currently being investigated as a “possible” hate crime.

The 35-year-old actor transported himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital Tuesday (Jan. 29) morning, after being beaten by two white men in ski-masks who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him,

Smollett attempted to fight back but the attackers doused him with bleach and wrapped a noose around his neck, before fleeing the scene.

Jussie Smollett The Trevor Project's 2018 TrevorLIVE LA Gala - Arrivals — Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Smollett was leaving a Subway restaurant when the men began yelling to get his attention. He told police that the men also yelled, “This is MAGA country,” during the attack.

Though Smollett did not suffer life-threatening injuries, he was left shaken by the assault. The vicious incident comes about a week after he received a letter threatening his life.

TMZ has an extensive timeline of how everything went down.

The Empire cast was informed about the horrific assault on Jussie Smollett during a meeting Tuesday morning. The cast will now receive armed security as an added precaution.

Numerous celebrities rushed to social media to offer their support.

1/3 – I’ve known Jussie since he was 10 years old, and a man of @JussieSmollett’s talent, intellect and kindness should be an undisputed blessing to our community. My heart is hurting knowing that he’s suffering…and for what? Just for being?
— Halle Berry (@halleberry) January 29, 2019

The racist, homophobic attack on @JussieSmollett reminds us that crimes targeting people for the color of their skin and who they love still happen. We must stand united against this hateful violence. Sending Jussie love and prayers for a quick recovery. https://t.co/tPXc0LZvVm
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 29, 2019

HATE WILL NOT WIN! Prayers going up for @jussiesmollett @ Miami Beach, Florida https://t.co/fuq1XqOo3s
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 29, 2019

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 @jussiesmollett. You are loved! https://t.co/bprDZ3Luah
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 29, 2019

I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW! 😢😢🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/p4GqfNW3An
— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) January 29, 2019

.@JussieSmollett is one of the fiercest people I know. This hatred won’t stop his championing for a better world. If anything, it will probably motivate him more. It has me.
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) January 29, 2019

Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019

DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019

I am disgusted and horrified to hear of the homophobic and racial attack on Jussie Smollett last night. Unfortunately, these hateful attacks happen way too often. We must call out and hold those accountable. Sending love to you, Jussie.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 29, 2019

Standing with and sending love to @JussieSmollett today… this is a racist hate crime and is disgusting and shameful to our country 😔#WeLoveJussie
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) January 29, 2019

THIS IS FUCKED UP TO THE CORE. CATCH THESE EVIL HOMOPHOBES AND LOCK THEM UP FOREVER https://t.co/RScjV4hlex
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) January 29, 2019

No words. Love to you @JussieSmollett ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/bdVahUfi04
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) January 29, 2019

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382.

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