As Jussie Smollett recovers from his injuries following his fight against two alleged racist and homophobic attackers, his Empire family and surrounding members of the Hollywood community are letting the world know they have his back.
Empire lead Terrence Howard appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning (January 30) to condemn the attack and pledge even more support to his 36-year-old co-star.
“I heard he’s getting better. You know, he’s angry,” Howard said, updating the press on Smollett’s condition and state of mind.
AD LOADING...
“But I know Jussie. Jussie’s anger will dissipate and he will forgive these people for what they did. But he won’t and we cannot forget their actions. They have to be forgiven because it was done out of ignorance. Jussie’s the one that starts singing when everybody’s in a bad mood,” Howard continued.
“He’s the one that cheers everybody up. He’s the one that does all the Instagrams if he catches you sleeping. Today, no one was caught sleeping. No one even took time to close their eyes and nap. They were all in shock that our family — you know, the Fox family, the Empire family, the Lyon family — were attacked by a bunch of hyenas today.”
Jussie Smollett's "Empire" co-star @terrencehoward on alleged attack: "Today, no one was caught sleeping." https://t.co/ey4LrdAZPUpic.twitter.com/odmVNtJbPB
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 30, 2019
Elsewhere, a distraught Lee Daniels admitted he had to compose himself before taking to social media and vowed to be right by Smollett’s side A-S-A-P.
AD LOADING...
“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 faggot’ … ‘nigger’ or whatever they said to you,” the director exclaimed. “You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. It starts at home. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are because it shows we are united on a united front.”
Chicago police are investigating what they’re calling “possible racially charged assault and battery” and are currently coming up empty in their search for surveillence video in the surrounding area.
AD LOADING...
TMZ is also reporting tragic irony that Smollett declined to travel with additional security just days before the attack.
Smollett is expected to return to taping Empire soon with minor adjustments made to accommodate his transition. As of press time, his February 2 concert in Los Angeles is still on the books.
Outside of the extended Empire, a host of movie stars, musicians and even politicians also spoke out against hate.
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 FUCKED. This is what all that hateful mongering has wrought. Are you PROUD???
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 29, 2019
Jussie Smollett,’Empire' Actor, Reportedly Attacked In Possible Hate Crime.NPR. VILLAINY, RACISM,HOMOPHOBIA, PROMOTED BY MOST INFAMOUS ?IN ?,IS THE POISON THAT KILLS??.WHITE ONLY IS NOT RIGHT.?? IS PPL OF COLOR.??GOP GOES DOWN WITH SHIP djt
https://t.co/egSweOPhlO— Cher (@cher) January 30, 2019
Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today. ❤️
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2019
Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019
Fuck. https://t.co/rv4clsxpWy
— Questlove (In E flat) (@questlove) January 29, 2019
OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!
We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved! https://t.co/bprDZ3Luah
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 29, 2019
Yes Viola! Hate filled people are being emboldened and we should take it personally. Special prayers up to Jussie and anyone else who has had to witness hate on this level https://t.co/wv8UFxRVkx
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) January 29, 2019
.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2019
What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie. https://t.co/o8ilPu68CM
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 30, 2019
Jussie is my friend – a very talented & beautiful human being. It is so hurtful that homophobic haters would dare hurt someone so loving and giving. I'm dedicated to finding the culprits and bringing them to justice. Jussie did not deserve to be harmed by anyone!
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) January 30, 2019
The racist and homophobic attack on Jussie Smollett is a horrific instance of the surging hostility toward minorities around the country. We must come together to eradicate all forms of bigotry and violence. https://t.co/2accVEJrCG
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 29, 2019
New York State calls this attack on Jussie Smollett what it is — a hate crime. Homophobia and racism will not be tolerated — not now, not ever. https://t.co/h6wDa7SVsX
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 30, 2019
This is a truly awful hate crime that has no place anywhere in this nation. No one should be attacked because of the color of their skin or who they love. Jussie, please know that many people across IL and our country are sending love your way. https://t.co/Aui0M5q9Ne
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 30, 2019
The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe.
To those in Congress who don't feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention. https://t.co/EwXFxl5f2m
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 29, 2019
This is happening. NOW. In OUR country. https://t.co/C1Zxsx9Y9Q
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) January 29, 2019
[apple_news_ad type=”standard”]
