“Empire” star Jussie Smollett was hospitalized in Chicago after suffering a brutal homophobic and racist attack early Tuesday morning.

TMZ reports Smollett landed in Chicago, where “Empire” is currently filming, from New York City late Monday night. Around 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Smollett was walking out of sandwich chain Subway when he was approached by two men in ski masks.

“Aren’t you that fa**ot ‘Empire’ n**?” the men allegedly yelled at Smollett. The men proceeded to beat Smollett and fracture his rib. The assailants poured bleach on Smollett and put his neck in a noose yelling at him “This is MAGA country.”

The suspects fled the scene and Smollett was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was treated and discharged a few hours later.

ThatGrapeJuice.net reports that Smollett had been the target of a homophobic and racist threat sent to Fox Studios in Chicago eight days before the physical attack.

The letter, addressed to Smollett, spelled out the words “You will die black f*g” in cut-out letters.

The Chicago Police Department told E! News they are currently investigating the incident as a “possible” hate crime.

“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,” CPD Chief Spokesman Anthony Gugliemi told E! News. “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.”

Smollett portrays gay musician Jamal Lyon, the son of music mogul Lucious Lyon, on the hit Fox series. Smollett publicly came out as gay in a 2015 interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

The  New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) issued a statement in response to the incident highlighting the particular oppression of people with intersectional identities.

“While details are still developing, the hate violence Jussie Smollett experienced is reflective of what we see in our national data on hate violence, in our clients in New York City as well as the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) across the nation. LGBTQ people living at multiple intersections of oppression, such as racism and homophobia, experience compounded violence. This reality is what informs us to do our work holistically. Jussie is not alone. Gay Black men are some of the most vulnerable to violence in the LGBTQ community and this must continue to be addressed. Our work focuses to end and disrupt systemic violence that thousands of LGBTQ survivors face, while also working to support survivors in the aftermath of violence. Our deepest thoughts and commitment to this work is with Jussie and all survivors.”

As details of the attack emerged, GLAAD issued a statement via the Hollywood Reporter: “Jussie is a true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world.”

Fox, the home network of “Empire,” also said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our Empire family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. 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 stand united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own.”

“Empire” creator Lee Daniels sent an emotional message of support to Smollett in an Instagram video.

“It’s taken me a minute to come to social media about this because Jussie, you are my son,” Daniels says. “You didn’t deserve to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called ‘die f––––t, n––––r,’ or whatever they said to you. You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are, because it shows that we are united.”

“No racist f––k can come in and do the things that they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie. I’m with you, I’ll be there in a minute. It’s just another f–––––g day in America,” Daniels concluded.

View this post on Instagram

We got this @jussiesmollett ?????

A post shared by Lee Daniels (@theoriginalbigdaddy) on Jan 29, 2019 at 10:55am PST

Other celebrities sent an outcry of support for Smollett and demands for justice.

sending u my love ??? pic.twitter.com/9dHEphO8BQ

— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) January 29, 2019

Words fail, but know this, @JussieSmollett is our son, our brother and the word LOVE seems insufficient. We stand with you and pray for your speedy recovery. This will not go unanswered. When you attack one of us, you will answer to ALL OF US. Know that.

— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) January 29, 2019

Sending love, prayers, light and strength to @JussieSmollett. PLEASE find the disgusting people responsible for this hate crimex2.

— Tevin Campbell (@tevincampbelll) January 29, 2019

I’m pissed. Love you @JussieSmollett and your family. https://t.co/DYohyjP0AW

— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) January 29, 2019

This is happening. NOW. In OUR country. https://t.co/C1Zxsx9Y9Q

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) January 29, 2019

This is horrific. What kind of country do we live in. https://t.co/unvzWmo6XD

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 29, 2019

No words. Love to you @JussieSmollett ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/bdVahUfi04

— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) January 29, 2019

…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

I can’t believe we still live in a country where hate is so severe. My heart, love and healing thoughts go out to @JussieSmollett. I’m with you, my friend.

— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) January 29, 2019