In the early hours of Tuesday morning, after traveling from New York to Chicago on Monday night, Empire actor Jussie Smollett was attacked in a possible hate crime. According to TMZ, sources directly linked to Smollett say the actor was exiting a Subway sandwich shop at 2 A.M. when two white men accosted him, using anti-gay and racist slurs before putting his head in a noose, pouring bleach on him, and reportedly screaming, “This is MAGA country.”

Both men were wearing ski masks, the source told TMZ, and Smollett was hospitalized with a fractured rib. The actor was discharged later Tuesday morning. Fox Studios also reportedly received a letter that sources tell TMZ was sent eight days ago, which reads “You will die black fag.”

The Chicago Police Department gave V.F. the following statement by e-mail: “The Chicago Police Department received a report of a possible racially-charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire. 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,” the statement continues. “The victim is fully cooperating with investigators and we ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8382 or report it anonymously to www.cpdtip.com.”

In a statement, Fox said, “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 stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate—and especially against one of our own.”

This post has been updated.

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