Ariana Grande, Kevin Hart and John Legend support Jussie Smollett after Empire star is attacked in ‘racist and homophobic’ beating

The actor, 35, was brutally beaten by two men in Chicago at around 2am on Tuesday.

The attackers are also said to have shouted racial and homophobic slurs at Smollett before pouring a chemical substance over him and attempting wrap a rope around his neck.

A police statement obtained by the Independent reads: "The offenders began to batter the victim with their hands about the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on the victim.”

“At some point during the incident, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck.”

The disgusting attack has prompted many stars to speak out in support of Smollett.

Ariana Grande told her Twitter followers: "what happened to jussie makes me really f**ing sick to my stomach. i can’t believe s**t like this is really still happening everyday.

"what kind of world ? sending all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change. what can we do ? tell me & i’m there."

Comedian Kevin Hart wrote: "Sending prayers your way @jussiesmollett ….This is unbelievably sad. Why are we going backwards….this is disgusting. We as people have to do better. WTF is going on the world???? Why…."

John Legend shared: "Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice."

Singing icon Cher also voiced her support for the star, writing: "Jussie Smollett, Empire actor, reportedly attacked in possible hate crime. NPR. Villainy, racism, homophobia, promoted by most infamous [clown] in the world, is the poison that kills [America].

"White only is not right. [America] is [people] of colour. [Praying] GOP goes down with ship DJT."

It's believed the cast of Empire are now under 24/7 armed guard after the attack.

An emergency meeting was held on Tuesday while some actors had already arrived on set for filming, according to Entertainment Tonight.

"The entire studio, network and production stand united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate — and especially against one of our own."

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