John Legend, Vivica A. Fox, and More Speak out After Jussie Smollett Suffers Apparent Homophobic, Racist Attack
Celebrities are speaking out after Empire star Jussie Smollett was attacked in a possible hate [...]
Danny Strong
...whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie’s talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come.
— Danny Strong (@Dannystrong) January 29, 2019
Empire co-creator and executive producer Danny Strong spoke out about the attack in a pair of threaded tweets. He addressed the attackers, letting them know that their violence would be outlasted by Smollett's work.
"I'm deeply horrified and saddened by the racist and homophobic attacks against @JussieSmollett," he tweeted. "He is a kind and profoundly talented soul whom I respect with all my heart. The terror of racism and homophobia has no place in our society, it is the most indecent way to live."
"Whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie's talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come," he finished.
prevnextVivica A. Fox
I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW! ????♀️??♀️ pic.twitter.com/p4GqfNW3An
— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) January 29, 2019
Vivica A. Fox places Candace, aunt to Smollett's character Jamal Lyon. The actress was horrified by the attack on her on-screen family.
"I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett," Smollett's co-star tweeted. "I'M SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW!"
prevnextJohn Legend
Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019
John Legend also spoke out for Smollett, asking his followers to join him in sending love to the actor's family.
"Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack," wrote Legend. "We support you and pray that you find peace and justice."
prevnextEric Haywood
I will burn your fucking house down to protect @JussieSmollett.
Write that shit down.
— Eric Haywood (@EricHaywood) January 29, 2019
Empire screenwriter Eric Haywood was infuriated by the attack on Smollett, and let the world know how far he would go to protect the actor.
"I will burn your f—ing house down to protect @JussieSmollett," he tweeted. "Write that s— down."
Haywood later retweeted a post from the Empire writers' room.
"Empire writers were heartbroken this morning to hear of the vicious attack on our beloved star @JussieSmollett," it read. "The story that Jussie tells through Jamal is one of tolerance, acceptance and love, and we are disgusted that our divided world subjected such a kind soul to violence."
We resolve to keep doing what we do – telling stories that create a kinder world, and it is our solemn prayer that Jussie has a speedy recovery and that his attackers are brought to justice.
— Empire Writers (@EmpireWriters) January 29, 2019
"We resolve to keep doing what we do – telling stories that create a kinder world, and it is our solemn prayer that Jussie has a speedy recovery and that his attackers are brought to justice," they finished.
prevnextGeorge Takei
This is horrific. What kind of country do we live in. https://t.co/unvzWmo6XD
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 29, 2019
Star Trek star George Takei knows as much about hate-fueled violence as just about anybody in the world, and he too was distraught over the attack against Smollett. He shared an article about the assault on Twitter, adding: "This is horrific. What kind of country do we live in."
prevnextKirsten Gillibrand
This is a sickening and outrageous attack, and horribly, it's the latest of too many hate crimes against LGBTQ people and people of color. We are all responsible for condemning this behavior and every person who enables or normalizes it. Praying for Jussie and his family. https://t.co/eylvxhLT0u
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 29, 2019
New York Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand shared Smollett's story as well, adding her voice to the cry for justice.
"This is a sickening and outrageous attack, and horribly, it's the latest of too many hate crimes against LGBTQ people and people of color," Gillibrand wrote. "We are all responsible for condemning this behavior and every person who enables or normalizes it. Praying for Jussie and his family."
prevnextKerry Washington
DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019
Actress Kerry Washington was awestruck by Smollett's ordeal, taking to Twitter along with the rest of Hollywood to send her prayers.
"DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett," she wrote.
prevnextKeltie Knight
I am sickened. Jussie Smollett is SALT OF THE EARTH, HUMBLE, KIND and CONSTANTLY USING HIS STAR POWER FOR GOOD. ?
— Keltie Knight (@KeltieKnight) January 29, 2019
Finally, Entertainment Tonight host Keltie Knight took to Twitter as well. The dancer turned journalist was horrified, and even more incredulous at the attack since it targetted someone who always had the best intentions for others.
"I am sickened. Jussie Smollett is SALT OF THE EARTH, HUMBLE, KIND and CONSTANTLY USING HIS STAR POWER FOR GOOD," she wrote.
prev