Jussie Smollett is breaking his silence.
The “Empire” star was the victim of a brutal attack in Chicago earlier this week. Two men allegedly assaulted him while yelling racial and homophobic slurs as he was leaving a Subway restaurant. They doused him with an unknown chemical substance and tied a rope around his neck before fleeing the scene. Smollett reportedly fractured a rib and checked himself into the hospital.
In a statement to Essence on Friday (Feb. 1), Smollett says he is “OK” and is working with police.
.@JussieSmollett speaks following his attack. We're continuing to lift him up in prayer. https://t.co/GVaCOuqQSC pic.twitter.com/0g8yU7IPwX
— ESSENCE (@Essence) February 1, 2019
“Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” said the 36-year-old actor. “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 percent 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.”
“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,” he said. “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.”
On Wednesday (Jan. 30), investigators released images from surveillance video that shows two “potential persons of interest” allegedly involved in the attack.
Photos of people of interest who were in area of the alleged assault & battery of Empire cast member. While video does not capture an encounter, detectives are taking this development seriously & wish to question individuals as more cameras are being reviewed pic.twitter.com/xJDDygtocr
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 31, 2019
Smollett’s family has also spoken out following the homophobic and racist attack. “Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed,” the family’s statement read. “We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country.”
The actor-singer will return to the stage to headline a previously scheduled performance at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on Saturday (Feb. 2).
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jurnee Smollett Bell (@jurneebell) on Jan 31, 2019 at 7:36pm PST
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