Får stöd av bl.a. 50 Cent, T.I och Da Brat.

I samband med de goda nyheterna att Taraji P. Henson blivit belönad med en stjärna på Hollywood Walk of Fame, kommer även betydligt dystrare nyheter. Amerikanska medier rapporterar nämligen att kollegan i tv-serien “Empire”, Jussie Smollett, blivit utsatt för ett misstänkt hatbrott och är inlagd på sjukhus.

Skådepelaren och sångaren ska ha befunnit sig i Chicago när han tidigt tisdag morgon blev utsatt för rasistiska och homofobiska slagord samtidigt som han fick ett rep kastat runt halsen. Förövarna ska även ha hällt en okänd kemisk substans på honom och utdelat slag i ansiktet. Polisen utreder därför händelsen som ett hatbrott. Smollett är som bekant mörkhyad och kom 2015 ut som homosexuell.

Attacken ska ha tvingat honom att uppsöka sjukhus och i en intervju dagen efter berättade han för polisen att förövarna ska ha skrikit “This is MAGA country” – en tydlig referens till Trumps kampanjslogan. I dagsläget letar polisen fortfarande efter gärningsmännen.

Update:

Nu har Smollett gjort ett första uttalande efter attacken:

“Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” Smollett began in his statement with gratitude. “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. ”

“Empire”-skaparen Lee Daniels gick, som många andra, ut på sociala medier för att visa stöd till Smollett och skrev bland annat:

“You didn’t deserve, nor [does] anybody deserve, to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you… 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 that we are on an united front, and no racist fuck can come in and do the things that they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie… It’s just another fucking day in America.”

Se flera reaktioner från bland andra 50 Cent, T.I, Questlove och Da Brat nedan.

Sending Prayers to @jussiesmollett we hope his attackers are quickly brought to justice. #thisis50 https://t.co/HCXbzoqp66

— 50cent (@50cent) 29 januari 2019

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

It’s a Disgusting Fuckking shame we continue to allow this shit to happen to OUR PEOPLE with no recourse!!!! THE HITS WONT STOP UNTIL WE HIT BACK!!!! Revolution is imminent… Laws of reciprocity say so… Prayers are great… But when I’m wronged… get up off your knees and RIDE for ME!!!!! Be strong & Stay solid✊? We here for you Bro? #USorELSE

Ett inlägg delat av TIP (@troubleman31) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 12:27 PST

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

We LOVE U JUSSIE! @jussiesmollett You always make everyone smile EVERY time. From the whole @dishnation family. ?? #prayers #strength #peace

Ett inlägg delat av DA BRAT (@sosobrat) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 1:38 PST

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

I got bombarded with messages this morning about what some ignorant animals did to my brother @jussiesmollett in Chicago. I had to reach out and let him know however this message gets to him, I stand with you, I’m angry, and most of all I’m sick of the hatred that has been stirred up in these days and times we are living in. Jussie, you are an amazing, loving, super talented person, pls don’t let these bastards dim your light. I cannot believe that this mess happened, you always treated me and my people like family and I’ll never forget that. You got a real one in your corner. Sleep on it, pray on it, rise up and god willing…let’s keep making the world a better place. ?✊? #EmpireFox #StandUnited @empirefox @theoriginalbigdaddy @sanaahamri @tarajiphenson @theterrencehoward

Ett inlägg delat av XZIBIT (@xzibit) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 1:42 PST

Spread love not hate, my love and prayers to you @JussieSmollett

— Twista (@TWISTAgmg) 29 januari 2019

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

You didn’t deserve this @jussiesmollett. I know you are a warrior and that this will make u stronger, which is the opposite of what your attackers intended. I pray that you not only physically heal quickly but that you become more psychologically and spiritually fortified than you’ve ever been. Love and health always brother. We really have a long way to go…

Ett inlägg delat av Jidenna (@jidenna) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 2:05 PST

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

Sending super blessings and prayers to my good friend @jussiesmollett ?? This world must get better ASAP !!! HATE is not GREAT ?

Ett inlägg delat av therealswizzz (@therealswizzz) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 9:18 PST

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

Prayers for a swift recovery for my brother and friend @jussiesmollett and may his racist, homophobic attackers be brought to full justice. There should be no place for this hatred and intolerance in 2019 America. Sad truth is… still it goes on. When will enough be ENOUGH?

Ett inlägg delat av Black Thought (@blackthought) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 1:23 PST

Visa det här inlägget på Instagram

I feel like I shouldn’t have to send out reminders that homophobia & racism are cowardly acts. But yet here we are in Maga Hell. I’m at a loss for words at all of this. Stunned that I’m still surprised this can still happen and keeps happening (and has never stopped happening). I’m trying hard to not make this “thoughts and prayers” meaningless like most posts about things of this nature. I wrote 10 paragraphs and erased em all & turned off the comments. Really angry about this fuckery.

Ett inlägg delat av Questlove Gomez (@questlove) 29 Jan 2019 kl. 1:42 PST