As Empire star Jussie Smollett recovers from the violent attack against him on Tuesday morning, his family — which includes actors Jake and Jurnee Smollett — released a statement on Thursday, January 31, denouncing this act of “domestic terrorism.”
Related: Chilling new details emerge in Jussie Smollett attack, including surveillance photos
Here is their statement in full:
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
Related: Kevin Hart lashes out, accuses people of using Jussie Smollett attack to further ‘harp’ on him
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Incidentally, President Trump also commented on the attack Thursday, speaking to the White House press pool in the Oval Office. According to Politico, Trump called the violence “horrible” and said, “It doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned.” He did not, however, comment on Smollett’s claim that the assailants said, “This is MAGA country.”
Jay423
It’s a lovely letter, but why hasn’t Jussie himself expressed anything online since? Not even a thank you on Twitter. I’m sorry but it only adds to my suspicions that his family is coming out speaking in his defense while he remains cryptically silent.
Godabed
Are you a millennial?? People don’t have to give an online statement after being attacked. If anything you want time to collect yourself and privacy.
Mojohood
I do not believe one bit of his story. Sad.
iamru2
The word around the CPD is that it’s a complete scam. What’s most bothersome is people accusing those who are saying we need to wait for more info as racists or homophobes or victim shamers!
Catholicslutbox
I don’t know about that. I hesitate to click these types of articles because the majority of outrageous gay-bashing reports reported on queerty been hoaxes.
I don’t doubt the ones that happen in those lesser developed nations, but the ones in US have been highly suspect.
Franklin
It’s interesting that you have access to confidential case information from the CPD. It really shows to their professionalism that some random person on the internet is commenting on the specifics of an ongoing criminal investigation.
piriblue
I remember when I was young I used to go tramping the streets in the middle of the night. Toto where not in Kansas anymore. If I had his kind of money I would order in. If I wanted food that is.
bridyyc
he’s refusing to provide his cell phone records to police. Why in the world would you withhold information, unless it doesn’t support your story? Sad to say that this story is starting to smell like day-old fish
Franklin
I like how you all are calling bs on his story with no evidence. Since when did having video of an attack become the gold standard for proving that it happened? I guess I really shouldn’t expect less from the Queens on queerty. Some of you are the bitchiest bunch of men I have ever met.
Chrisk
@Frank. No one’s saying anything about a video and better a bunch of skeptics than a bunch of gullible idiots.
bridge2nowhere
Somthin’ in the milk ain’t clean about this