Arts & Entertainment

Jussie Smollett details reported attack that left him ‘forever changed’

The ‘Empire’ star says he’s ‘pissed off’ at incident

Published

7 years ago

February 14, 2019

**Jussie Smollett** on ‘Good Morning America.’ (Screenshot via YouTube)

Jussie Smollett publicly detailed his alleged homophobic and racist attack for the first time in an interview with “Good Morning America” on Thursday.

The “Empire” star recalled the incident, which occurred on Jan. 29 in Chicago, to Robin Roberts saying that it left him “pissed off.”

Smollett says he was picked up from the airport by his creative director Frank Gatson. After arriving at Smollett’s apartment, Smollett wanted to get food. Smollett went to a local Walgreens but the location was closed. He decided to go to a Subway across the street. As Smollett was leaving Subway, he was on the phone with his manager, who was in Australia. He says that is when he heard someone yell “Empire” at him.

“And, I don’t answer to Empire, my name ain’t Empire,” Smollett told Roberts. He claims that he was then called “F**got, Empire, n***r!” Smollett recalled that the attackers also yelled “MAGA country.”

“So I turned around and said ‘What the f*c*did you just say to me’ and I see the attacker masked,” Smollett said. “He said ‘This MAGA country nr’ and he punched me in the face so I punched his a** back.”

Smollett says the fight ended up near some stairs and a second person kicked him in the back. The suspects ran away and Smollett picked up his phone which had fallen. Smollett says his manager was still on the line and he told him he had been attacked.

“It felt like minutes but it probably was like 30 seconds,” Smollett continued. “I can’t tell you honestly. I noticed the rope around my neck and I started screaming.”

Chicago Police released an image from surveillance camera footage of the area which shows “potential persons of interest.”

Chicago police release surveillance images of “potential persons of interest wanted for questioning in reference to the assault & battery” of “Empire” star Jussie Smollett. https://t.co/eIoTNF3CFi pic.twitter.com/jjwGYxRKOe
— ABC News (@ABC) January 31, 2019

Smollett told Roberts he believes those are the suspects who attacked him.

“Because I was there,” Smollett says. “For me, when that was released, I was like, ‘O.K., we’re getting somewhere.’ I don’t have any doubt in my mind that that’s them. Never did.”

As for the skeptics who aren’t convinced of Smollett’s story, the actor says people have an issue with his description of the suspects.

“It feels like if I had said it was a Muslim, or a Mexican, or someone black, I feel like the doubters would have supported me much more,” Smollett says

Smollett, who grew emotional at various parts of the interview, says he is “forever changed” by the incident.

“I will never be the man that this did not happen to,” Smollett says. “I am forever changed. I don’t subscribe to the idea everything happens for a reason, but I do subscribe to the idea that we have the right and the responsibility to make something meaningful out of the things that happen to us, good and bad.”

Related Topics:Good Morning America Jussie Smollett

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.