U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is among the many who have condemned a reported racist and homophobic attack on actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago.

Chicago police said Smollett, 36, who is known for playing the singer Jamal Lyon on the Fox series “Empire,” was beaten by two men at about 2 a.m. on Tuesday after they made him the target of homophobic and racist slurs. During the attack, in which Smollett was hit in the face, one of two suspects put a rope around the actor’s neck. They also reportedly poured “an unknown chemical substance” on Smollett, who went to a hospital for treatment after the attack.

The actor, who is reportedly in good condition, told CNN he fought back when he was attacked and was both angry and shaken after the incident.

“The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching,” Booker tweeted on Tuesday. “I’m glad he’s safe. To those in Congress who don’t feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention.”

Police in Chicago said they were investigating the incident as “a possible hate crime.” Smollett, who is also a singer, had been in Chicago to perform at a concert this Saturday. He is also filming “Empire” in the city.

The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching. I'm glad he's safe.



To those in Congress who don't feel the urgency to pass our Anti-Lynching bill designating lynching as a federal hate crime– I urge you to pay attention. https://t.co/EwXFxl5f2m — Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 29, 2019

TMZ reports that the suspects were white and wore ski masks as they shouted “this is MAGA country" at Smollett during the assault, which occurred when Smollett went out for food after flying into the city. But speaking to the Daily Beast, Chicago police dispute those details.

“There is no report of that being said," they told the outlet. Later on Tuesday, ABC reported that police said Smollett confirmed the “MAGA country” detail in a follow-up interview.

TMZ also reports the men who struck the actor yelled the N-word and a homophobic slur as Smollett walked back from Subway, and that the “chemical substance” was bleach. TMZ says that a week before the assault, a letter containing slurs and a death threat had been sent to Fox Studios in Chicago and addressed to Smollett. The report adds that armed security will be provided for Smollett and the “Empire” cast as they film the rest of the season.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night," Fox said in a statement. "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.”

Smollett came out as gay in 2015. His “Empire” character is also gay.

Lee Daniels, co-creator of “Empire,” addressed the assault on Smollett on Instagram Tuesday.

“Jussie, you are my son,” Daniels said in a video (see below). “You didn’t deserve, nor anybody deserves, to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called “die f***** n***** or whatever they said to you.”

“Empire” debuted in 2015 and has run for five seasons on Fox. Smollett began his career with appearances in films including “The Mighty Ducks” (1992). He was also a regular on the short-lived ABC TV show “On Our Own” in 1994 and 1995 alongside his five brothers and sisters.

Caution: clip below contains explicit language and slurs

“Empire” co-creator Danny Strong also commented on the attack, saying he’s “deeply horrified and saddened” by the assault on Smollett.

“The terror of racism and homophobia has no place in our society, it is the most indecent way to live,” Strong tweeted. “Whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie’s talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come.”

...whoever did this, do not forget that you are nothing but hate filled cowards while Jussie’s talent and activism will continue to shine a bright light on to the world for decades to come. — Danny Strong (@Dannystrong) January 29, 2019

On social media, many more people responded to the attack on Smollett. They also commented on the hesitation of some media outlets to label the incident a racist, homophobic hate crime.

Reporting honestly on what happened to Jussie Smollett requires use of the words "racist" and "homophobic."



Now is not the time for your lily-livered hedging, news orgs. — Soraya Nadia McDonald (@SorayaMcDonald) January 29, 2019

It doesn’t matter how rich or famous someone is. Jussie Smollett is still a Black gay man in a country with a deep history of white supremacy and homophobia. This is not an isolated incident - it happens every day. #SayTheirNames pic.twitter.com/gkapVUEGN5 — Rashad Robinson (@rashadrobinson) January 29, 2019

It makes me so angry, as I read about Jussie Smollett being attacked, to see “possible hate crime” over and over again. This clip gives some context as to why that hedging persists: https://t.co/9eYeZyjz3C — Saeed Jones (@theferocity) 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

Heartbroken & disturbed that one of the most visible leaders and champions for the LGBTQ community was attacked today. We are with you, Jussie Smollett.



Please connect with these resources if you need help or support:@antiviolence | 212-714-1141@TrevorProject | 866-488-7386 — Raymond Braun (@raymondbraun) January 29, 2019

DEAR GOD! Prayers and justice for Jussie Smollett. — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 29, 2019

I am disgusted and horrified to hear of the homophobic and racial attack on Jussie Smollett last night. Unfortunately, these hateful attacks happen way too often. We must call out and hold those accountable. Sending love to you, Jussie. — Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 29, 2019

what happened to Jussie Smollett is terrorism. — stacy-marie ishmael (@s_m_i) January 29, 2019

If only congress had funded that wall to protect Jussie Smollett from the white terrorists who broke his rib, called him n****r and f*ggot, poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck while shouting "this is MAGA country". — Travon Free (@Travon) January 29, 2019

I’m really horrified and enraged by the details around Jussie Smollett being brutalized by white supremacists. I love a lot of folks that love him and have been touched by him, I’m also truly sorry just as another Black gay man, and really, as another human. This is unacceptable. — Myles E. Johnson (@hausmuva) January 29, 2019

Horrifying, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing. Combat this hate by donating to a Black/LGBTQ organization today. https://t.co/V0fKEzBuhH — dan levy (@danjlevy) January 29, 2019

Hate never wins. Praying for my brother @JussieSmollett in his recovery.https://t.co/u4VQsKfUsm — Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) January 29, 2019

Jussie Smollett was violently attacked by two white men who poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. He was targeted for being black and for being gay. THIS is why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussie’s life matters. — Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) January 29, 2019

The attack on Jussie Smollett, like all hate crimes, is an attempt to silence and intimidate marginalized people so we won't demand equality. Attacks like this diminish everyone's equality and civil rights. We have to fight the parts of our culture that make it seem ok. — Guy Branum (@guybranum) January 29, 2019

One after another, celebrities showed their support for Smollett, posting photos of the actor and condemning the attack and hate behind the slurs and violence.

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

This post has been updated (on Jan. 30) with additional information from police.

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

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