Jussie Smollett Makes First Public Appearance After Attack

Jussie Smollett Makes First Public Appearance After Attack

Actor, singer, and Empire star Jussie Smollett made his first public appearance since the apparent hate crime against him. Smollett took the stage at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

An emotional Smollett told the crowd, “There are so many words on my heart that I want to say. The most important that I can say, to keep it simple, thank you so much. I’m okay… I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m going to. I’m going to stand strong with y’all.”

He continued, “I had to be here tonight. I couldn’t let those motherf***ers win. So I will always stand for love, I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love. I hope that you all stand with me.”

Smollett was attacked on Tuesday in Chicago. He clarified reports about the assault saying, “I was bruised, but my ribs were not cracked. I was not hospitalized. And, above all, I fought the f**k back.”

If his attackers are found, what kind of penalty should they face? Do you think Smollett will also file a civil suit against them?