Jussie Smollett: So What Now?

via pagesix

Last month it was reported that Empire actor Jussie Smollett was attacked in a homophobic, racist hate crime in Chicago. The actor was allegedly strangled with a rope by two men in masks that also poured an unknown liquid on his face. The men chanted "MAGA while "yelling out racial and homophobic slurs" reports CNN.

Smollett took himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after the incident and spoke to Chicago Police.

Immediately following the attack came an outpour of support across digital platforms, from fans and fellow actors with the hashtag #justiceforjussie.

In an interview on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, Smollett states that he is “forever changed” by the incident. He also discussed how he was “pissed off” by the doubters of his attack.

Two persons of interests were brothers who were possible extras on the Empire show earlier that week. However, according to Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, both men have been released due to ‘new evidence' states Chicago CBS. That evidence being that Smollett orchestrated the attack himself, Down to paying for the noose that was tied around his neck.

via usatoday

We can all agree that this is getting messy.. Most importantly, it is steering away from the core issues of this entire alleged attack— that 1. Either Smollett WAS attacked and rather than rightfully taking the victim at his word, has been dragged and doubted due to his celebrity, racial and sexual status; Or 2. If Smollett DID orchestrate this attack, what are the repurcussions for those in the black and LGBTQ community who face the threat of these realities on a daily basis?

So let’s break it down:

1. Why isn’t Smollett getting the same treatment of undeniable support as other victims? There are several layers to understanding this. As an openly gay black actor, Smollett represents two identities, both which part of the American population refuses to accept. Identities our own President has waged war on.

His status and overall success as a black gay actor on a black award winning series defies everything MAGA supporters believe in. Because Smollett was so quickly supported, the opposition has been just as swift due to today’s political climate.

While we have heard personal stories from black men and gay men— we have rarely permitted that same soap box to those with multiple identities. Smollett is a reminder that hate crimes are a direct result of America’s growing hate speech.

2. Now if Smollett DID orchestrate this attack it is a revelation of many things. Namely being that he felt the actual struggles of people of color and the LGBTQ community are continuously being overlooked that he had to create his own trauma to rectify that wrong. In his desperation to defend himself and others, he mocked the traumatizing reality countless others face on a very real and daily basis. If false, Smollett’s story will strengthen the hatred for these two groups in the first place.

This also continues the ignorant narrative of Chicago just being a violent-filled city. Think of how many short-sighted arguments reference Chicago as a dangerous wasteland. This could be fake story does absolutely nothing for the communities that live there, who are trying to change that perception. It gives a shallow presentation of Chicago as being “violent” without taking into consideration just “how” it became that way— with economic struggles, political corruption and its history of racial inequality.

While the Smollett story continues to unfold, let’s remember that he is still considered a victim until proven otherwise. He should be treated as such.