Source: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com / WENN
As the Jussie Smollett assault case continues to add new wrinkles, the family of the Empire actor issued a statement about the alleged attack. In the wake of accusations of fabrication and support from colleagues and fans, the family has declared the attack on Smollett an act of “Domestic Terrorism.”
The family’s statement is listed below courtesy of Billboard:
“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack,” the statement reads. “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.”
Chicago police are still investigating the crime and are piecing together surveillance video of two persons of interest in the case. Smollett is also cooperating with police in order to find the men who carried out the alleged assault.
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Photo: Getty