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Jussie Smollett Attacked in Suspected Hate Crime
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Jussie Smollett Attacked in Suspected Hate Crime
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Jussie Smollett Attacked in Suspected Hate Crime

Trending News: ‘Empire’ Star Brutally Beaten in Possible Hate Crime

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett was attacked in a possible hate crime on Tuesday, January 29, according to Chicago police. The actor, 36, who identifies as gay both in real life and in his role as Jamal Lyon on the Fox drama, was allegedly beaten up by two men in Chicago He was hospitalized and "in good condition," police say, according to CNN.

Officials say Smollett was out getting some food at about 2 a.m. CT when two men allegedly hurled antigay and racist slurs at the actor. Then they reportedly started throwing punches. "The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim,” according to a police statement. The substance poured on Smollett was bleach, a source familiar with the investigation told NBC News.

"At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim's neck," the police statement continued. "The offenders fled the scene."

"Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime," said police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, according to NBC News. "Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline. The victim is fully cooperating."

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Outpouring of Support

John Legend, Zendaya, and more celebrities reacted to the news on Twitter.

Danny Strong, the executive producer of “Empire,” also offered his support.

Fox released a statement about the attack to CNN.

"We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our 'Empire' family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night," a representative told CNN. "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 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) as well as The Anti-Violence Project, a national organization that supports the LGBTQ community, also tweeted about the attack.

Law enforcement is asking that anyone with any information about the attack call Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382.

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