Police in Chicago say they are investigating a suspected homophobic and racist attack on a star of the US TV drama Empire.
According to police reports, Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyon in the Empire series, needed hospital treatment after two men punched him in the face and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.
One of the attackers wrapped a rope around his neck before both fled the scene in the early hours of Tuesday morning, on January 29.
Police said they were treating the incident as a possible hate crime.
TMZ reports that Smollett has since been discharged from hospital and police described his condition as “good”.
The incident happened at East Lower Water Street, Chicago, as the actor was leaving a restaurant.
