Stars Call for Justice as Jussie Smollett Recovers From Homophobic, Racist Attack

Empire star has been hospitalized in Chicago

Jussie Smollett's friends and co-stars are calling for justice.

Earlier this morning, E! News learned that the 35-year-old Empire star was the victim of a possible racially-charged assault and battery in Chicago.

According to police, two suspects began to batter the actor and poured an unknown chemical substance on him. During the attack, one of the offenders also wrapped a rope around Jussie's neck.

While Jussie's team is staying quiet, many close friends and co-stars are speaking out and showing their support for the actor.

"I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett," Vivica A. Fox shared on Twitter. "IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW!"

Danielle Brooks  added, "They can try to break you physically, but they can't break your spirit. To my friend @jussiesmollett , I love you King. I am praying for you and your family. This is reality. America we must do better."

They aren't the only famous faces speaking out. See what other stars are sharing on social media below.

Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.

— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2019

No matter what's happening around us, @JussieSmollett is ALWAYS quick w/ a massive smile & hug. Thats the kind of man he is. The homophobic, racist hate crime against him & hate crimes against countless others cannot stand. Rebuke hatred any & every time it rears its ugly head.

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 29, 2019

1/3 - I’ve known Jussie since he was 10 years old, and a man of @JussieSmollett’s talent, intellect and kindness should be an undisputed blessing to our community. My heart is hurting knowing that he’s suffering...and for what? Just for being?

— Halle Berry (@halleberry) January 29, 2019

We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this to @JussieSmollett, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 29, 2019

This is heartbreaking and terrifying...please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/YTJ6bwLDkZ

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2019

Love to Jussie.

— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 29, 2019

Brave beautiful man. The world is sending you healing. Jussie you are so strong. We love you. 🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/44inLBvWlN

— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) January 29, 2019

.@JussieSmollett is one of the fiercest people I know. This hatred won’t stop his championing for a better world. If anything, it will probably motivate him more. It has me.

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) January 29, 2019

@JussieSmollett I love you.

— Tika Sumpter (@iamtikasumpter) January 29, 2019

PRAYING for my friend Jussie😞😓😥...and for the HATE and intolerance that has grown in this country 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💔💔💔💔💔https://t.co/MDZbtV33ah

— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) January 29, 2019

DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett.

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019

OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate!

We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved! https://t.co/bprDZ3Luah

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 29, 2019

A post shared by Niecy Nash (@niecynash1)

Standing with and sending love to @JussieSmollett today... this is a racist hate crime and is disgusting and shameful to our country 😔#WeLoveJussie

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) January 29, 2019

Sending so much luv and healing energy your way @jussiesmollett. we know that you’ll continue to change the world ❤️❤️

— Fergie (@Fergie) January 29, 2019

A post shared by Tamron Hall (@tamronhall)

Four years ago, @JussieSmollett came out on my show. I’m sending him and his family so much love today. ❤️

— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) January 29, 2019

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real)

A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe)

What happened last night to Jussie is beyond words. Awful and reprehensible. I wish him strength and resilience on his recovery. As a country we have to stand up with a united voice against this and all other acts of racism and hatred. https://t.co/tUR4IPsNfG

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 29, 2019

These people exist and continuing to allow hate through leadership only makes them feel they can get away with it, publicly. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to @JussieSmollett https://t.co/oAr0ApR2br

— Antoni Porowski (@antoni) January 29, 2019

Chicago Police asks anyone who has information on the incident to please contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382 or report it anonymously to www.cpdtip.com.

"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," 20th Century Fox and Fox entertainment said in a statement. "The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate—and especially against one of our own."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jussie and his family during his recovery.