'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett Hospitalized After Alleged Homophobic & Racist Attack
Jan. 31 2019, Updated 11:39 a.m. ET
Empire star Jussie Smollett has been hospitalized after becoming a victim of an alleged homophobic and racist attack, RadarOnline.com can confirm.
The 36-year-old actor was targeted by two men in ski masks on Tuesday, January 29 at around 2:00 a.m. in Chicago, cops told RadarOnline.com.
In a statement, the Chicago Police Department claimed the men caught the actor's attention by yelling racial and homophobic slurs as they followed him on the street.
Once they reached him, they began to batter him with their hands — and at one point "poured an unknown chemical substance" on him.
In a horrific move, "one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victims neck," cops said.
The attackers quickly fled the scene, leaving an injured Smollett on the ground.
He self-transported to Northwestern Hospital, and is now receiving treatment.
He is "in good condition," cops assured fans.
CPD Chief Spokesman Anthony Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that detectives are working to "gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline."
The Grape Juice was the first to break the news of the attack.
Stay with RadarOnline.com for updates.
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