Lee Daniels Posts Emotional Response to Jussie Smollett Attack
Lee Daniels, co-creator of the Fox series "Empire," posted an emotional video to Instagram today in reaction to the vicious attack on one of the show's stars, actor Jussie Smollett.
He was one of several people, including director Barry Jenkins and John Legend taking to social media to condemn the attack.
Smollett was attacked by two men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Chicago Police Department. "Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime," the statement reads.
According to ABC News, Smollett previously received a threat via letter. The investigation has now been handed over to the FBI.
Smollett, who plays a gay character on the series, came out in 2015.
In his video, Daniels, said:
“It’s taken me a minute to come to social media about this because, Jussie, you are my son,” he said. “You didn’t deserve nor anybody deserves to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called ‘die f–got n–ga’ or whatever they said to you. You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. It starts at home. It starts at home, yo. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are because it shows we are united on a united front and no racist f— can come in and do the things that they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie. I’m with you. I’ll be there in a minute. It’s just another f—ing day in America.”
Barry Jenkins, director of "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk," tweeted: "Thinking of Jussie. Saddened. Heartbroken. Angry. ALL of it. Wouldn’t matter that he is the kindest soul. But he IS the kindest soul. And this is F***ED. This is what all that hateful mongering has wrought. Are you PROUD???"
Singer/songwriter John Legend tweeted: "Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice."
Fox also released a statement, saying they are “deeply saddened and outraged” by the attack. “We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice,” the statement read. “The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.”
No one has been arrested yet in the case. Smollett was released from the hospital and is reportedly in "good condition." We wish him a speedy recovery.
According to Deadline, he is still set to perform in a scheduled concert in Los Angeles this Saturday.
[Via Variety]