In what can be termed as a shocking event, Jussie Smollett, one of the most popular stars of FOX’s Empire, has been the target of what is being widely reported as a hate crime. Smollett has been attacked by two men in Chicago which has resulted in his hospitalization. Two suspect planned an ambushed attack outside a restaurant, we gather. More news is trickling in on this and it is not  very clear yet if the attack was motivated and it could perhaps indicate an intentional hurt caused due to racial profiling. The suspects launched an attack on the actor before which they were reportedly heard shouting racial and homophobic slurs.

Smollett who is an openly gay had received a threat before. He had received a threatening letter with magazine cut out that said: “You will die black f**.” Multiple reports reported by citing additional sources that Smollett was attacked around 2 a.m. in Chicago. Two unidentified men wearing ski masks and wrapped a noose around the actor’s neck.

Reports also claim that Smollett has been released from Northwestern Memorial Hospital now. Chicago Police have maintained that Smollett is cooperating with the investigation. The process to gather video and identify potential witnesses has begun. More information about this incident is much awaited.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2019 12:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).