The “Empire” star said he was O. K. and addressed theories that he exaggerated his account, saying he had been “100 percent factual and consistent on every level.”
Jussie Smollett, the star of the Fox television show “Empire” who said he had been attacked by two men yelling racial and homophobic slurs, released his first public comments about the incident on Friday.
“Let me start by saying that I’m O. K.,” Smollett said in a statement released by his publicist. “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 went on, acknowledging some social media theories that the attack might not have occurred in the way Smollett said.
“I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level,” Smollett said. “Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.”
Smollett, who is black and gay, had reported being attacked in Chicago by two men around 2 a.
