Actor Jussie Smollett hospitalized after homophobic attack

Empire star, Jussie Smollett, was attacked in Chicago early this morning, Jan. 29, in what police believe was a hate crime. According to a statement from the Chicago Police Department, the 36 year-old actor was leaving a restaurant around 2:00 a.m. when two unnamed suspects began yelling racial and homophobic slurs at him. The suspects --- who had not been arrested at press time -- then reportedly attacked Smollett, punching him in the face and pouring an "unknown chemical substance" on him. At some point during the attack, one suspect wrapped a rope around Smollett's neck. The two suspects fled the scene and Smollet transported himself to Northwestern Hospital where he is reported to be in good condition. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------