'Empire' cast member Jussie Smollett allegedly the victim of hate crime in Chicago

An investigation is underway in Chicago after cast member of the television show “Empire" was allegedly the victim of a hate crime.

Jussie Smollett was reportedly physically attacked early Tuesday morning while walking downtown. Two men allegedly struck Smollett and poured a chemical substance on him as they shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him. Then they wrapped a rope around his neck.

Smollett was treated for his injuries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The Chicago Police Department released the following statement:

Photo Credit ( Source: People)

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