“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,” according to the family statement.
“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.”
“We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive,” the statement continued. “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.”
Police have reviewed hundreds of hours of footage from more than 20 surveillance cameras in the area, according to Guglielmi. They have not found any images of the alleged attack, but do have footage that shows part of Smollet’s journey to and from the neighborhood.
Police have released pictures, taken from surveillance cameras, of two “potential people of interest” but stopped short of calling them suspects.
Smollett has told police he was confronted by two men who allegedly hurled racist and homophobic slurs just before they beat him up. They are investigating the case as a possible hate crime.
Outcry’s for change and reform for Black Gay celebrities flooded Instagram. Mostly from fellow Comedians and performers. Here is a video from Empire creator Lee Daniels.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOrBBmH6GK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Here is a message from Steve Harvey
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtP8l70njTY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We pray for his speedy recovery. Empire returns with new episodes this Spring.
Instinct Culture 