Celebrities React To Jussie Smollett's Homophobic, Racist Attack

By Peyton Blakemore

January 29, 2019

Jussie Smollet is receiving an outport of love and support from fans and fellow celebrities after being attacked in an alleged hate crime early Tuesday (January 29) morning.

As previously reported, the 35-year-old Empire star was brutally attacked in Chicago around 2 AM by two men wearing ski masks, TMZ reports. Jussie had just arrived to the city from New York and made a late-night run to a Subway when someone yelled: "Aren't you that f**got 'Empire' n**ga?" The two attackers, who have been identified as white males, then proceeded to jump the actor. While he fought back, Jussie was ultimately overtaken by the men. During the attack, the suspects also reportedly put a rope around Jussie's neck, poured bleach on him and yelled "This is MAGA country." Jussie rib's were fractured and he was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment, but has since been released.

Sources told TMZ that the actor had received a disturbing letter, which read: "You will die f**," eight days prior to the attack. Law enforcement sources told the gossip site that the Chicago PD is investigating the incident as a battery and potentially treating the incident as a possible hate crime. "Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime," Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. "Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline. The victim is fully cooperating with investigators, and we ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382 or report it anonymously to www.cpdtip.com."

Following news of Jussie's attack, stars from near and far sent messages of support to Jussie. Read some of their reactions below:

This. Is. Vile. https://t.co/8h6qfSmG5U
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) January 29, 2019

This is heartbreaking and terrifying...please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/YTJ6bwLDkZ
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2019

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Sending prayers and love to my friend @jussiesmollett! Hate has caused a lot of problems in this world but has not solved one yet! #love #nohate

A post shared by Kandi Burruss (@kandi) on Jan 29, 2019 at 8:48am PST

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Sending up prayers for @jussiesmollett . Discrimination of ANY kind should not be tolerated, and will NOT be tolerated. Don’t call this an “attack” this was a HATE CRIME. And we must stand not only with him but all victims. Yall president got people out here acting a DAMN fool, and it needs to stop NOW! Praying for a speedy recovery and justice.

A post shared by Tamar Braxton ❤️ (@tamarbraxton) on Jan 29, 2019 at 10:08am PST

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I stand with you @jussiesmollett 🙏🏽praying for your speedy recovery. This makes me sick to my stomach. In 2019 THIS IS STILL HAPPENING. Pay attention.

A post shared by ℒᎯ ℒᎯ (@lala) on Jan 29, 2019 at 9:58am PST

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

This is insane! What’s happening to this world https://t.co/VSIOks8N09
— Garcelle Beauvais (@GarcelleB) January 29, 2019

This is so awful. Sending love to @JussieSmollett. 🙌🌈 https://t.co/U3wKFBAXi2
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) January 29, 2019

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

I’m pissed. Love you @JussieSmollett and your family. https://t.co/DYohyjP0AW
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) January 29, 2019

Sending my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett . This is unacceptable and they will be brought to justice.
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) January 29, 2019

We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this to @JussieSmollett, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 29, 2019

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Sending love and healing prayers to @jussiesmollett .... Via TMZ :Empire" star Jussie Smollett was brutally attacked by 2 men who beat him up, put his head in a noose and screamed, "This is MAGA country."

A post shared by Loni Love (@comiclonilove) on Jan 29, 2019 at 9:38am PST

The reported hate attack on my friend and brother, actor Jussie Smollett is despicable and outrageous. The guilty must face the maximum.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 29, 2019

@JussieSmollett I love you.
— Tika Sumpter (@iamtikasumpter) January 29, 2019

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

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😣😖😫😡🥵

A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith) on Jan 29, 2019 at 11:02am PST

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You can never dim someone who is the manifestation of light. Sending love to the brilliant human/ artists/ and humanitarian @jussiesmollett ❤️I’m at a loss for words, but one thing I know for certain is an act of hate against you, is an act of hate against all of us. We will continue to stand with you ❤️

A post shared by Yara (يارا‎) Shahidi (@yarashahidi) on Jan 29, 2019 at 10:41am PST

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Stand with my brother @jussiesmollett sending you light and love. Be strong 💪🏾 We got you

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan) on Jan 29, 2019 at 1:24pm PST

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Sending @jussiesmollett all of my love and support today and every day. No one can dim your light. 💫❤️❤️❤️ To all of my fans I beg of you... speak up..be courageous ..if you hear hateful language ...racist language ..homophobic language ...please be the warriors I need you to be. The world needs you to be. Scream from the rooftops get loud..stand for something ...stand for LOVE. These punks ...these haters ...who are filled with fear and insecurity who continue to spread hate and violence in the name of this administration must be called out at every turn. What kind of person do you want to be? Someone who has something to say and fights for the human race who believes in their personal power? Or a follower with no conviction no opinion and filled with fear yourself. Ask yourself who do I want to be? Haters are really not what’s up. ❤️🙏🏼

A post shared by Ellen Pompeo (@ellenpompeo) on Jan 29, 2019 at 12:37pm PST

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There are simply no words. This man is one of the most gentle, beautiful souls I have met. We must be ever so vigilant in fighting against hate crimes and denouncing violence. Not because this man is a celebrity but, because he is a HUMAN BEING. Wishing you complete healing @jussiesmollett 🙏🏾 #jussiesmollett

A post shared by Shaun Robinson (@msshaunrobinson) on Jan 29, 2019 at 1:22pm PST

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This makes me so angry! The Mowry-Hardricts love you @jussiesmollett! We are praying for your family and recovery! #lovewins

A post shared by tiamowry (@tiamowry) on Jan 29, 2019 at 1:05pm PST

Lee Daniels is breaking his silence about the racist and homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett: “You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that.” pic.twitter.com/Z4IwhOEO5L
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) 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

it’s devastating that this would happen to such a kind soul..there is absolutely no room for hate. we love you @JussieSmollett 🙏🏽❤️ sending love x prayers up
— chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) 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

Jussie Smollett was violently attacked by two white men who poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. He was targeted for being black and for being gay. THIS is why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussie’s life matters.
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) January 29, 2019

No matter what's happening around us, @JussieSmollett is ALWAYS quick w/ a massive smile & hug. Thats the kind of man he is. The homophobic, racist hate crime against him & hate crimes against countless others cannot stand. Rebuke hatred any & every time it rears its ugly head.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 29, 2019

There is no room in our society for hate crimes! People have a right to be who they are and feel safe. Get well soon @JussieSmollett! Respect, love, and support from the Johnson family.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2019

When the attackers used words like “f**got” and “n**ger,” stop calling it a “possible” hate crime. It’s a HATE CRIME. Period. This is atrocious. Standing with you @JussieSmollett #JusticeForJussie https://t.co/hjGIPrgbr4
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) January 29, 2019

This is beyond upsetting. What happened to @JussieSmollett is a truly horrible racist, homophobic hate crime. I hope we can find an end to the hate and fear that plagues this country. Praying for your recovery, Jussie. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/9llTsCYKYQ
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) January 29, 2019

what happened to jussie makes me really fucking sick to my stomach. i can’t believe shit like this is really still happening everyday. what kind of world ? sending all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change. what can we do ? tell me & i’m there.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 29, 2019

Photo: Getty Images

TopicsJussie Smollett