Jussie Smollett: I will always stand for love. I will only stand for love
The 'Empire' actor and singer made his first public appearance since his alleged racist and homophobic attack
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Jussie Smollett has made his first appearance since his alleged homophobic and racist attack.
The Empire actor and singer had planned to perform at the Troubadour in West Hollywood before his attack – which saw two men tie a noose around his neck – last week.
And although many people urged him not to perform, Smollett took to the stage and said it was because he didn’t want his attackers win.
While addressing the crowd at the concert, he said: “And above all, I fought the fuck back. I’m the gay Tupac.
“The most important thing I can say is, ‘Thank you so much, and I’m OK.
“I’m not fully healed yet but I’m going to be, and I’m gonna stand strong with y’all. I had to be here y’all.
“I couldn’t let those motherfuckers win. I will always stand for love. I will only stand for love.”
The openly gay actor has portrayed gay character Jamal Lyon in the hit show for five seasons since 2015, the same year he came out on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Jussie Smollett speaks out at Los Angeles performance. pic.twitter.com/l8QZAQfubW
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 3, 2019