K. Michelle Offers Prayers to Jussie Smollett After His Alleged Hate Crime Attack

R&B artist K. Michelle joins the list of growing celebrities who are rallying behind “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett after he allegedly was assaulted on Tuesday morning.

Smollett was treated at a hospital on Jan. 29 for what Chicago Police are labeling as a possible hate crime. According to authorities, two male suspects yelled homophobic and racial slurs at the actor before pouring “an unknown substance” on him. One of the culprits reportedly tied a rope around Smollett’s neck in the manner of a noose.

Several celebs have offered words of sympathy to Smollett, including “Love ‘Em All” singer K. Michelle.

The award-winning musician took to her Instagram Wednesday, Jan. 30, to share a photo of herself with Smollett. In her photo caption, she called the actor a “beautiful soul” while also sending him well-wishes as he seemingly recovers from his mental, physical and emotional scars.

photo credit@kmichellemusic
L) K. Michelle and R) Jussie Smollett

“My prayers go out to @jussiesmollett The world we live in is cold,” K. Michelle wrote. “Such a beautiful soul with amazing energy. You are loved my brother✊🏾❤️.”

Other fans chimed in underneath K.’s photo, applauding her for showing the “Empire” star with support.

“This is what sincerity and genuine concern looks like ❤️ you K and Jussie, keep your head up sweetheart we all have your back,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “Good to see you supporting him @kmichellemusic 👏🏾🙏🏾❤️. We love you Jussie praying for you and your family 😢.”

K. Michelle and Smollett performed together at the “36th annual UNCF: An Evening of Stars” music event in 2015 in Atlanta.

Since Smollett’s alleged attack this week, a slew of other celebs, including actress Tracee Ellis Ross, R&B singer Mary J. Blige, TV host Ellen DeGeneres, social activist Amanda Seales, comedian Stevie Harvey, singer Kelly Rowland, actress Yara Shahidi, his colleague Taraji P. Henson and many more have expressed their outrage and confusion about the incident.

“I wish what happened to my baby was just one big bad joke but it wasn’t and we all feel his pain right now,” Henson wrote. ” @jussiesmollett is pure love to the bone AND THAT IS WHY SO MANY ARE FEELING HIS PAIN BECAUSE IT IS OUR PAIN!!! I tell you one thing HATE WILL NOT WIN!!!! My baby is resilient and love still lives in him.”

Smollett’s family released a statement on Jan. 31 since the reported assault against him.

“We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime,” the victim’s family said on social media via his sister Jurnee Bell. “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.”

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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. ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 ________________________________________________________Statement from our family: “ 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”

A post shared by Jurnee Smollett (@jurneesmollett) on Jan 31, 2019 at 7:36pm PST