comscore
Jussie Smollett Gives First Statement Since Attack; Sister Jurnee & Family Also Speak Out [PHOTO]

Jussie Smollett Gives First Statement Since Attack; Sister Jurnee & Family Also Speak Out [PHOTO]

Hot97 Staff
02/02/2019 12:00 AM EST
(Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, Jussie Smollett was terribly attacked in Chicago in what is considered a hate crime.

Many have spoken out on the disgusting acts, and now the Smollett family is starting to share their thoughts on the tragic matter.

Together, they posted a statement on the attack that came from his sister Jurnee’s page.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed. We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, 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. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world.
With love & gratitude,

The Smollett Family

View this post on Instagram

Because there’s a light in him that cannot be dimmed, because we are a family of joyful warriors, we will not let this get the best of us. Although this is a picture from happier times, this is the spirit to which we chose to move forward…they will not steal, our joy. ✊