Jussie Smollett has broken his silence after being assaulted by 2 men in Chicago earlier this week. The ‘Empire’ actor had kept silence until now regarding the matter.
“Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” Smollett said in a statement to Essence. “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.”
“I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level,” he continued. “Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.”
“As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers, and non-gender conforming siblings daily,” the statement concluded. “I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process,” he concluded. “Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief, and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.”
Police reports by Chicago P.D state that the assault was reportedly racially and sexually charged, with the assaulters yelling both homophobic and racist slurs at the 35-year old actor. At one point, Smollett claims that one of the assailants said ‘This is MAGA country’.
Scary, gripping and unfortunate stuff for an actor who stole the show in ‘Empire’. Here at Def Pen, we’re all praying for his speedy recovery.
