Media Outlets Say Actor Was Beaten in Chicago by Attackers Who Yelled, ‘This Is MAGA Country!’ but Cops Aren’t Saying That.
Numerous media outlets on Tuesday reported that “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was attacked in Chicago by men who yelled, “This is MAGA country!” — a reference to the iconic red “Make America Great Again” hat from President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.
But Chicago Police on Tuesday afternoon told TheBlaze they have no information regarding the alleged attackers’ descriptions nor on what they said. Officer Michelle Tannehill added to TheBlaze that detectives are still investigating, gathering video, and speaking to witnesses.
Police released a statement saying they “received a report of a possible racially-charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire. Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime.”
Smollett was walking on Tuesday when two unknown offenders approached him and started yelling “racial and homophobic slurs,” USA Today reported, citing police. The pair used their hands to batter the victim and poured an unknown chemical substance on him, the paper added, noting one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck. Smollett then transported himself to Northwestern Hospital, USA Today added, citing police, adding that the actor is in good condition.
.@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
No matter what's happening around us, @JussieSmollett is ALWAYS quick w/ a massive smile & hug. Thats the kind of man he is. The homophobic, racist hate crime against him & hate crimes against countless others cannot stand. Rebuke hatred any & every time it rears its ugly head.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 29, 2019
Watch: Empire creator Lee Daniels posts an emotional reaction to the news that actor Jussie Smollett was attacked: "America is better than that." pic.twitter.com/kESs1FpMyd
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 29, 2019
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