Empire star Jussie Smollett has finally made a public statement after suffering a horrifying alleged racist and homophobic attack earlier this week, telling Essence that he's recovering and is thankful for all the support that he's received. Smollett also addressed social media rumors that he's not telling the whole story and reminded people that his attack should not be looked at as an isolated incident.
"Let me start by saying that I'm OK," Smollett said in his 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. "
He then addressed people who believe that his story has changed or that certain details don't add up. "I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level," he said. "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," he wrote. "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. 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."
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Smollett was attacked early Tuesday morning in a Chicago Subway restaurant by two men who beat him, allegedly yelled racial and homophobic slurs and said "This is MAGA country," doused him with bleach and put a noose around his neck. The Chicago Police Department is investigating it as a possible hate crime and has released surveillance images of persons of interest.
Smollett's statement echoes many of the points made in his family's statement released on Thursday. "We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country," the Smollett family said in part. "Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world."
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