'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett Recovering from Homophobic Attack, Bleach Allegedly Used

UPDATE

5:30 PM PT: Chicago police now say during a follow-up interview with Smollett, he recalled the suspects shouting about "MAGA Country."

10:45 AM PT: Police are currently searching for video evidence of the alleged attack.

8:59 AM PT: — Smollett told police the chemical substance thrown in his face was bleach. We're told officials are currently running tests to verify the chemicals.

As we reported, the emergency dispatch audio also described a noose being placed around the actor's neck.

"Empire" star Jussie Smollett is recovering from an attack that allegedly went down just as he landed in Chicago and included the use of a chemical substance.

The 35-year-old actor had traveled from New York on Monday night, as "Empire" is filmed in Chicago where Smollett has a residence.

The Chicago PD tells The Blast they received a report of a possible "racially-charged" assault and battery involving a cast member of the show "Empire."

The narrative from cops describes Smollett walking down the street near his residence when two unknown people approached and began yelling out "racial" and "homophobic" slurs towards him. The offenders began to "batter the victim with their hands" and "poured an unknown chemical substance" on Smollett.

Cops say they were told a rope was also wrapped around Smollett's neck before the two guys fled the scene. Smollett transported himself to a local hospital and is reportedly in "good condition."

Cops are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

According to ThatGrapeJuice.net, Jussie Smollett has received previous threats that appeared to be racially charged. The threat sent to Smollett included hate speech and a stick figure drawing of a person with a gun to their head.

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