SAG-AFTRA Statement Regarding the Attack on Jussie Smollett

Today’s reported attack on actor Jussie Smollett is a vicious and violent crime that cannot be tolerated. We have spoken with Mr. Smollett’s representatives and FOX executives to offer our support and have sent a SAG-AFTRA representative to the Empire set to assist any of our members who may be in distress. We urge the Chicago authorities to move swiftly to identify, arrest and prosecute Mr. Smollett’s attackers and if applicable, to refer the case for prosecution under federal hate crime laws. We stand with Jussie Smollett, LGBTQ people and all marginalized communities in rejecting intolerance and brutality. An attack on one is an attack on all.

Photo: Chris Fragapane/FOX

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.