Empire star Jussie Smollett has spoken out for the first time since a brutal and unprovoked attack left him hospitalised in Chicago this week, saying he’s confident that “justice will be served” on those responsible.
In a statement released on Friday, the actor gave an update on his condition, beginning with:
“Let me start by saying that I’m OK. 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.”
He then spoke about the ongoing investigation into his attack, saying:
“I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.”
Police are currently looking for two people in connection with an attack on Jussie Smollett in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The two allegedly approached the actor as he was leaving a restaurant, yelling racist and homophobic slurs.
They attacked him, wrapping a rope around his neck and pouring a chemical substance on him before fleeing the scene. Smollett transported himself to Northwestern Hospital, and has since been discharged.
The actor’s family released a joint statement to the media earlier in the week, saying:
“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received.”
