Empire star Jussie Smollett was hospitalized after being attacked in Chicago this week. Though the two suspects — who reportedly yelled "MAGA nation" and racial and homophobic slurs while pouring an unknown chemical substance on the actor and putting a rope around his neck — have not yet been apprehended, Smollett has shared a statement about the incident.
Speaking with Essence, Smollett reassured everyone that he's fully recovered.
"Let me start by saying that I'm OK," he said. "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."
Smollett added that he's cooperating with authorities in an effort to make sure the attackers are apprehended.
"I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent 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. 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."
Though police shared a photo of two persons of interest from the scene, they have not yet arrested anyone following the attack.
Speaking with Essence, Smollett reassured everyone that he's fully recovered.
"Let me start by saying that I'm OK," he said. "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."
Smollett added that he's cooperating with authorities in an effort to make sure the attackers are apprehended.
"I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent 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. 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."
Though police shared a photo of two persons of interest from the scene, they have not yet arrested anyone following the attack.
