Jussie Smollett has released his first statement since the shocking and violent attack against him on Tuesday morning.
“Let me start by saying that I’m OK,” the actor tells Essense in a statement. “My body is strong but my soul is stronger.”
He continues, “More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words.”
Smollett goes on to explain he is working with police to see that his attackers are found and justice is service.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
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.
Yesterday, Smollett’s family issued a statement calling the attack a “racial and homophobic hate crime” and an act of “domestic terrorism” against QPOC:
These are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall.
In his statement to Essensce, Smollett adds:
As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process.
Smollett concludes his statement with a reminder for everyone to love, and to not let episodes of extreme hated let you forget the importance of loving one another.
Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.
Related: Chilling new details emerge in Jussie Smollett attack, including surveillance photos
Chevelter
The fact that Jussie is refusing to let police look at his phone is a *huge* red flag. Police need to rule out whether what happened was the result of some sort of planned meeting – perhaps a hookup or drug deal gone bad. Can anyone think of an innocent reason Jussie is refusing to let them do that? Police they they will not get a court order.
Brian
At the very least, he could have easily pulled up his call log on the phone so they could see what time he was talking to his manager, without actually handing over the phone. That still wouldn’t prove the manager heard what he said he did, but at least it would lend some credence to his claim.
glennmcbride
I don’t know about you but I would never voluntarily give up my phone to the police. Everyone I have spoken to about this says the same thing.
Chrisk
@glennmcbride. Then I guess you just don’t care whether your brutal attackers see Justice or not. I would be as helpful as I could to capture these guys.
Tim
I’m with @glennmcbride on this one, and I’m not even all that privacy minded. Handing over your phone means that it becomes evidence, which then requires chain of custody documentation and locking it up in evidence lockers, all while awaiting a department authorized computer forensics technician to access and retrieve the information. Do you think that’s going to happen in less than a day, or even within 48 hours? It won’t, not unless a life depended on accessing the information immediately. How long, in this day and age, can you honestly go without having your phone available to you? Multiply that by being an actor who’s always “on call” for their next gig. Then add in the celebrity factor, like which other celebrities’ personal information and phone numbers your phone would contain. What kind of damage to your reputation would occur if a police officer (or contracted tech), looking for a payoff from TMZ, handed over that information? Or if you had compromising photos on it… All of these are valid and appropriate reasons to not voluntarily hand over your primary (and sometimes only) means of communication.
You know what police used to use to place the time of calls before smart phones that automatically logged all actions performed on them existed? Call records from the telephone company. You know what still exists today, even when you have a mobile/smart phone? Phone records. That is what I would provide to police if they wanted to verify the times I (an alleged victim, mind you) was actively using my phone. Asking for the phone is just lazy police work to save themselves some investigative effort or paperwork. A celebrity refusing to hand over their phone for an indefinite period of time is not an admission of guilt, it’s just logical. If the records are truly important to the investigation, they’ll simply subpoena them.
Rimminit
Amazing to me the POS doubters would rather believe that there aren’t POS MAGA supporters out there that would intentionally plan this assault. Believe me there is!!!
OzJosh
Smollett will have been briefed by his manager/agent about what to do in such situations, as most Hollywood figures are. Their advice would always be not to surrender phones, computers, diaries, etc until they have spoken to their lawyer, or unless there is a warrant. And a lawyer will almost always advise NOT to surrender devices unless there is absolutely crucial evidence on it that could have legal consequences down the track. And that’s because there are countless examples of private details from celebrities involved in crimes (either as victims or perpetrators) being subsequently leaked to the media. There are always cops who know they can make money by doing so. And a gay guy with even the most innocent of text messages, photos or Grindr messages could have his career seriously compromised by media beat-ups. So, yes, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why Smollett would not surrender his phone.
boymikefl
He’s a celebrity. He may not trust the Chicago City Police. Do you think Taraji P. Henson needs some asshole cop calling her cell? I give him the benefit of the doubt. This is a dead case either way. Cops rarely catch the bad guys. I’m from Baltimore City. Most cops just want to get home alive.
Toofie
Unless he videotaped the assault in his phone, he doesn’t have to give it to the police. Funny people are stuck.
1898
If you were the victim of a mugging and the police said “we need to poke around in your computer, your sock drawer, and your medicine cabinet” would you let them? I wouldn’t, because it’s not relevant and they have no right to do it. If they’re hell bent on doing it anyway, they can come back with a search warrant. In this day and age, the cell phone is equivalent to all the things I listed above, and more. Unless they have probable cause to suspect him of a crime, they have no right and no reason to go through his phone, and NO ONE should let the authorities do that without a warrant.
magicmike
Anything they need from his phone, texts or who he was talking to, can be gotten from the police via the cell company. Will just take some time to do so. Also note it doesn’t say he wouldn’t share his phone log with them it said he wouldn’t surrender his phone to them!
Franklin
According to a statement released by police, they have no problem with him not handing over his phone, and understand the senstive nature of privacy surrouding handing over his phone. They also, state they have no reason to consider is allegations are false and consider him a victim of an attack.
Vince
That’s just a PR statement in a somewhat high profile case. Not to mention he’s the supposed victim so Police aren’t going to push it. More like like meh. Ok. It’s akin to refusing a lie detector test though. Just kind of makes you look less innocent.
Brian
The police are very publicly making sure they are following protocol. This way, when Jussie gets charged with making a false report to the police (would they actually arrest him for that?) and the inevitable claims of him being treated unfairly because he’s black and gay start, they will have the receipts to prove otherwise.
Greg
@Brian. What do you mean, “when Jussie gets charged for making a false report to the police”? How do you know it’s false? Then you say the inevitable claims of him being treated unfairly. What are you, a MAGA moron?
spacecadet
@Brian – the fact that you would jump so fast to the conclusion that Jussie has done something wrong before you know all of the facts in this matter says all there is to know about you.
Brian
Well obviously I don’t know with absolute certainty, nobody does yet. But since there is not a shred of evidence that this actually did happen, and plenty of evidence pointing to it not happening, I feel pretty safe with my assumption.
But if either of you can tell me how the attackers haven’t been found in a single frame of video, while the majority of Jussie’s trip was documented on various security cameras throughout the city, I’m all ears. Because right now, all we’ve got are two random people found on video 15 to 30 minutes earlier than the attack time, who just happened to be in an area where they could have physically made it to the attack location at that time. And that was only found after the police had reviewed hundreds of hours of footage and not found anything, which means they didn’t actually end up in the attack vicinity. How that alone isn’t enough to convince people is really, really amazing to me. You cannot completely hide from a citywide network of security cameras. They would have shown up somewhere, anywhere, if they existed. That’s just basic physics.
magicmike
Brian— just because the police haven’t release footage of the beating doesn’t mean there isn’t a shred of evidence. Why is it we are soooooo quick to judge every single detail as if we have the right to be in the car with the investigators following the leads with them. Get a life
Brian
The police said at the very beginning that they had reviewed hundreds of hours of footage and hadn’t found anything. Several days later, they still haven’t claimed to find anything after expanding the radius of footage they were reviewing. Why would the say that publicly if they actually had incriminating footage?
draven
I hope he’s alright no matter what happened. It’s sad because now it’s really so unsafe and unsure for a BLACK AMERICAN GAY MALE! It’s horrible that the weight of all problems are on the BLACK AMERICAN GAY MALE. When in all reality (all gay American males) they should be the most protected and loved. what would Jesus do……love. Love. Love.
Vince
Jesus helped me move last month so I guess there was love somewhere in that. Although I still paid him.
PoetDaddy
These comments are pretty disheartening. Why are members of our own community blaming the victim here? Remain neutral or take his side, but don’t add to his pain by continuing the attack!
Brian
Why are you still calling him a victim when it’s quite evident by now that this didn’t happen? How were the police able to track most of his entire trip on various security cameras throughout the city, yet the attackers never appeared an a single frame anywhere? Doesn’t that strike you as highly improbable?
robert_rupp
WOW So amazed by the reactions to this. Why is it easier to believe the worse case I read all these highly negative ones from guys like “ BRIAN” Feel very sad for what ever is his name ..you read how all these Russian intrusions on social media are to divide us Seems like maybe we can do that without their help Don’t watch EMPIRE ..Know little about Jussie. But he’s hurt Enough said
Greg
Yeah, I don’t get it. Like he hit himself in the face or something.
Brian
Greg, that tiny scratch on his face is enough to convince you that he was violently attacked with enough force to break a rib? And that they put a noose around his neck, which would put that violent force right at his head and face? That while he was presumably struggling while they were grabbing his head and forcing a rope around it, and the only result was that single half inch scratch? That really makes sense to you?
MarathonBoy
Life is so much easier when you just assume all conclusions.
magicmike
Stfu Brian. Call the Chicago police and tell them the case is closed. Brian watched one episode of svu and saw the 10 pm news and solved it for them!!!!
Rock-N-RollHS
Let’s not overreact, gurl. Mostly that MAGA bot Brian doubting JS. We live in a pluralistic society so if you are expected everyone to hold hands and sing kumbaya, you need to get out more.
Finally, don’t overvalue yourself or any of us on this little site as increasing JS’s pain. I’m sure he’s doing just fine, unlike most never-heard-from gay attack victims.
Brian
Ok, please explain how that single, small scratch on his face is they only injury he got from 2 men violently grabbing his head to tie a noose around it.
draven
Stay safe regardless gay men of America. Ppl are very jealous of us because we love and live. Jussie get a bodyguard. Travel in pairs and groups when you can. Watch your surroundings. Straight ppl seem are mad at their lives. Avoid hostile areas of inner and outer cities. Not safe outside alone at night. Be careful.
Rock-N-RollHS
oh, honey, chill out. I have been traveling around for decades alone and with partners. The world can be an “unsafe” place. Accept and move one. Living in fear is ridiculous and statistically unsupported. Don’t let anecdotes and famous incidents be your guide.
Somagu
ave you not watched news. Bad video but not no video. Also, he was clearly hurt somehow and I for one am clearly willing to wait. Something occurred and even if it was an altercation with a hook up, so what? Violence is wrong.
iamru2
Idk I’m suspicious but I also am sure the police are not releasing all their info yet , they may have evidence that either helps his story or pokes more hikes in it.
Shadypast
I would never just hand over my phone. I have personal and confidential things on there.
I would never submit to a lie detector test. If they were so accurate, they would be admissible as evidence. They’re not
I would never submit to having my car searched either, even if I had nothing to hide.
Why? Because it’s my right to privacy.
Jussie ended up in the hospital, so he was attacked by someone. I don’t think this is fake or false. Jussie has a right to justice, but he shouldn’t have to give up his right to privacy to get it.
Brian
Your critical thinking skills need work. Anyone can go to the hospital for any reason. All his going to the hospital means is that he went to the hospital.
MountainCowboyMan
Love Trumps Hatred In All Societies On Planet Earth! Life Is Never Complicated Only Other People Can Attempt To Make It Complicated! We Are Born, We Live & One Day In Less Than A Minute We Return To The Stars We Have Come From. No Good Has Ever Come From Ill-Gotten Gain Or Ill-Gotten Acts. What Goes Around Will Come Around & No One Ever Wants To Touch That Negative Karma! There Are Consenting Adults & There Are Criminals In All Cultures & Societies! Support Your Fellow Genuine Person In The Going Into & Cum’n Out From, Always!
Rock-N-RollHS
New Meds or an excerpt from Ulysses?
mtullius
Jussie is a successful actor who has NO motive to lie or fake this incident. He is of sound mind and smart enough to know you do not give the police cart blanche of your private information. Police cannot always be trusted. He was injured and Im sure he did not injure himself for personal gain, he is already successful. Those who want to re-victimize him are the same as police who want to discredit him because he is gay or black or both. He is smart to tread lightly, the evidence will come out over time. Please pray for him. God be with him. Bless you Jussie.
mmoore482
I send my best wishes to Jussie as he recovers from this horrific attack oh him! The process of healing will take as long as it takes. It makes me sad that this violent act is being mitigated by persons in this forum. Instead of spouting your opinion of what he should do or shouldn’t do, support him and his family as they confront this tragedy head on! I will send love, thoughts of healing and spiritual hugs. Jussie, you did the best you could and no one of us have any right evaluating your response to,the police or the press! Know that you are loved and valued! I wish you a speedy healing and lots of love! You are an amazing man!
BustnMyNut
This story is a bunch of BS. Aside from the fact that it’s like zero degrees. Just one more lie to divide us and ultimately we lose!
sydboy007
Read that Jussee is seen going off Camera with subway in hand, comes back on camera 60ish seconds later with subway still in hand and something around his neck.
Would be interesting to know if police smelt bleach when interviewing him. Yes bleach can freeze, but it was 45 minutes after the attack before it was reported, with how long the police were interviewing him, so plenty of time for the smell of bleach to become apparent.
How did jussie and his manager both first to tell police in the first interview about maga country? Surely that would be one of the most memorable points?
Tony1129
I would never hand over my phone to the police even if I was a celebrity.
Someone mentioned there could be personal photos, information from agents, other celebrities etc.
When you give up your personal phone then all of that info could be compromised if in the wrong hands. I wouldn’t do it either.
There isn’t any reason for me not to believe that this diidn’t happen to Jussie.
He would have no reason to scratch up his money maker face or break 3 of his own ribs.
He doesn’t need the money nor fame, he already has both. I don’t see any arterial motive here.
Brian
“There isn’t any reason for me not to believe that this diidn’t happen to Jussie. ”
Really? The multitude of reasons people have discussed as being virtually physically impossible if the crime had happned haven’t been enough to even make you say hmmm? It’s more believable to you that it had to happen because he already has fame and money than it is that the attackers wouldn’t show up on a single frame of video anywhere in the vicinity of all of the footage of Jussie that the police have from a buttload of security cameras throughout the city? Or that he could have 3 ribs broken, but his face virtually unscathed from the attack? Do you not realize how much more delicate the skin on our face is than our bones are?
Sad.
Franklin
Brian could you not? The only reason why you are so desperate to discredit his attack is because it said a person from team MAGA did it. Sorry that you can’t accept that there are rightwing bigots among us that have been emboldened by this racist president and homophobic vice president. I must have missed it, but I’m not sure when the standard of evidence for an assault became capturing it on video. Also, I for one don’t blame him for refusing to turn over his phone to police. I don’t now if you are aware of this, but the CPD doesn’t have to most stellar reputation in reguards to their treatment of black people. This is the same CPD that got in trouble for having a black site where they were torturing suspects. This is also the same CPD that had an officer kill a suspect that was walking away from them and then got caught after attempted to cover it up by lying about it.
Franklin
Also, you know cameras aren’t everywhere in the city. The city of Chicago is in a huge amount of debt and can’t afford to put cameras everywhere. They mostly have then in certain areas considered to be high crime areas.
Geeker
Never let cops look at your phone, they’ll make a copy of Everything on it.