Colleagues and admirers of Jussie Smollett have expressed shock, sadness and love for the “Empire” actor amid news he was viciously attacked in what authorities said could be a hate crime.
Smollett confirmed the incident to CNN’s Don Lemon.
A champion for the LGBTQ community, Smollett has found well wishers from all corners of Hollywood.
Lee Daniels, creator of “Empire”
“It’s taken me a minute to come to social media about this because, Jussie, you are my son. 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****t,’ ‘n****r’ 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 that 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.” – via Instagram
Danny Strong, actor/executive producer of “Empire”
“I’m deeply horrified and saddened by the racist and homophobic attacks against @JussieSmollett.
