Jussie Smollett's family condemns reported attack as 'domestic terrorism,' says he told the police 'everything'
Jussie Smollett‘s family has released a statement in the wake of Tuesday’s reported attack.
The Empire star was hospitalized after he says two men battered him, put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him believed to be bleach. Smollett’s family calls the attack a “hate crime,” condemning it as “domestic terrorism.” They also want to make clear that he has been nothing but cooperative with police.
“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack,” the statement begins. “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.”
The statement is perhaps hitting back at speculation over reports Smollett refused a request to turn over phone records to Chicago police as his manager was on the line when the incident occurred.
“Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received,” the Smolletts note. “We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed.”
The statement continues: “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. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and world.”
In a follow-up interview with the Chicago Police Department, Smollett confirmed to investigators he heard the attackers shout “MAGA country.” MAGA stands for President Trump‘s campaign slogan Make America Great Again.
The story caught the attention of the president.
“I can tell you that it’s horrible. It doesn’t get worse,” Trump told the press on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Police Department released two images from surveillance video of “potential persons of interest.”
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 was listed in “good condition” after he was released from the hospital Tuesday. He is still scheduled to perform Saturday night in Los Angeles at the Troubadour.
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