Jussie Smollett's Family Says Attack Was a 'Racial and Homophobic Hate Crime' in Impassioned Statement

Jussie Smollett still hasn't spoken publicly about the attack which took place on Monday evening in Chicago, Ill., but his family has now issued a statement condemning the violent act and thanking supporters for speaking up on the actor's behalf.

Smollett, who is best known for his role on Fox's Empire, was assaulted by two men who used racist and homophobic language against him, in addition to tying a noose around his neck and pouring bleach on the actor.

In response to the public outcry that resulted from the incident, the Smollett Family wrote that their "thanks [for] prayers and the huge amount of love he has received" and said that "Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed."

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The Smollett Family also addressed the controversy surrounding whether the incident should be deemed a hate crime saying, "We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice."

Chicago police confirmed that they were investigating the incident as a "potential hate crime" on Tuesday.

Read the full statement below:

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. 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. 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.

With love & gratitude,
The Smollett Family