Chicago police have opened a hate crime investigation after Jussie Smollett, an actor on the television show Empire, alleged he was attacked by men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs and physically beat him.

Police said the 36-year-old reported being attacked while walking downtown about 2am on Tuesday.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Smollett reported that two men approached him and began shouting racial and homophobic slurs. According to the police account, they then struck him in the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on him before one wrapped a rope around his neck.

Smollett went to Northwestern Memorial hospital. Police said he was being treated and was in good condition.

Detectives were gathering security video from nearby businesses, officials said.

The celebrity news website TMZ reported that the two men shouted “This is Maga country” after putting a noose around his neck and pouring bleach on him.

“Maga” stands for “Make America Great Again”, Donald Trump’s election campaign slogan in 2016.

A number of celebrities voiced support for the Empire actor after the attack.

“Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack,” musician John Legend said on Twitter. “We support you and pray that you find peace and justice.”

“This is heartbreaking and terrifying … please pay attention to what’s happening here. Sending all my love,” said the actor and singer Zendaya.