Jussie Smollet on Empire by Chuck Hodes courtesy Fox
The LGBTQ community is shocked at the attack on openly gay Empire star Jussie Smollett in Chicago. Reports indicate that Smollet was targeted because of both his race and sexuality. The attackers’ actions included beating Smollet and putting a noose around his neck. According to some sources, the attackers also poured bleach on Smollet and yelled, “This is MAGA country.”
UPDATE: On February 21, Smollett surrendered to Chicago authorities on charges of filing a false police report. Details:
Read Next | Gay “Empire” Actor Smollett Pleads Not Guilty to Fake Attack Charges
In response to the attack, ACT UP New York tweeted, “When a community member is attacked with racially and homophobic charged words, it is a hate crime. Not ‘alleged’. Not ‘possible’. Not ‘apparent’. We demand justice for Jussie Smollett.”
Logo TV added, “This. Is. Not. Okay.”
Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy called the attack, “Horrifying, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing.” He suggested we “Combat this hate by donating to a Black/LGBTQ organization today.”
“This is horrific,” observed gay icon George Takei. “What kind of country do we live in?”
Michelangelo Signorile deemed the attack: “Horrific” and “Reflective of the surge in racist & homophobic hate crimes since the election of Donald Trump, & emboldening of supremacists.”
“Remember when the White House said they couldn’t fathom what the attempted mail bomber had to do with Trump, even though the guy had a Trumpmobile?” warned Michael Musto. “They’ll probably say the same about Jussie Smollett’s MAGA attackers–or more likely, they’ll say nothing.”
“DEAR GOD!” tweeted Kerry Washington. “Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.”
“OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!” added Viola Davis. “We ALL have to take this very personally! My arms are around you @JussieSmollett. You are loved!”
“The reported hate attack on my friend and brother, actor Jussie Smollett is despicable and outrageous,” said the Reverend Al Sharpton. “The guilty must face the maximum.”
We here at Metrosource hope Jussie Smollet experiences a swift and complete recovery from both the physical and emotional trauma of this incident. We call on the authorities to bring the attackers to justice and on the White House to call for an end to all violence in the name of “Making America Great Again.” This incident is a reminder that homophobia is still a powerful force and that we must do all we can to fight for our rights and protect our fellow members of the LGBTQ community.
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