Jussie Smollett Breaks Down in First Interview After Alleged Hate Crime
We feel for him. Actor Jussie Smollett seems to break down in his first interview since the alleged hate crime he suffered through, and it’s a little difficult to watch. In a Good Morning America teaser for the episode airing February 14, host Robin Roberts can be seen asking the actor, “What happened that night?” and Jussie, 36, shuts his eyes and starts crying. See the heartbreaking moment for yourself in the video above, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
This will be the Empire actor’s first tell-all interview since the reported attack. At one point, Robin asks him, “At any point during the attack did you fear for your life?” It must have been really tough for the actor to re-live the moment for the sit-down with Robin, but hopefully, he feels strong enough to tell his story.
On January 29, Jussie survived an alleged homophobic and racist attack in Chicago. According to the city’s police department, the actor was allegedly approached by two unknown offenders who “gained his attention by yelling out racial and homophobic slurs towards him.” They then allegedly “battered” him with their hands “about the face” before allegedly pouring “an unknown chemical substance on the victim.” The incident report In Touch reviewed also noted that at one point during the attack, “one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck.”
On February 1, Jussie provided a statement to Essence about how he’s doing following the incident. “Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” Jussie began. “My body is strong but my soul is stronger … I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.” We hope so too.
Then Jussie performed at the at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on February 2, and told the crowd, “I’m not fully healed yet but I’m going to and um, I’m gonna stand strong with y’all. I had to be here tonight, y’all. It sounds prideful, but I couldn’t let those mother f–kers win. So I will always stand for love. I will never stand for anything other than love.” That’s an amazing attitude to have after going through something so scary.
We wish Jussie nothing but the best, as well as continued healing. And we will be tuning in to see what he has to say about what he experienced that night.
Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.
