35-year-old Empire actor, Jussie Smollett's friends are reacting to his possible racially-charged assault. Celebrities Zendaya, John Legend, Halle Berry, Gabrielle Union, Shonda Rhimes, Sophia Bush, Andy Cohen, Matt Bomer, Mindy Kaling, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, to name a few, have called out the racial assault with alleged homophobic undertones.

Zendaya took to her Instagram to respond to the Smollett case as she posted his picture with a caption that says, "I just hope there is justice in this hateful and targeted act of violence. Sending @jussiesmollett my love and wishing him a speedy recovery. We love you." Even John Legend reacted as he tweeted, "Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice."

The actor is currently being treated in a hospital after being attacked in Chicago on Tuesday. The incident took place when Smollett returned from New York. Two unknown offenders approached him and screamed racial and homophobic comments directed towards him. They then began to batter him with their hands and poured an unknown chemical substance on him. One of the offenders also wrapped a rope around Jussie's neck.

On the same, CPD Chief Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told E! News, "Overnight, the Chicago Police Department received a report of a possible racially-charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire." His statement continues,  "Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime. Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline."

A new statement received by TMZ adds, that "In the initial reports there was no mention of MAGA. When detectives followed up with [Smollett] later in the day, he recalled the offenders making those comments and detectives completed a supplemental report."

FOX Entertainment also released a statement on the incident which says, "We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night," and added, "We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2019 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).