Lee Daniels posts emotional reaction to ‘racially motivated attack’ on Jussie Smollett

Lee Daniels has spoken out following the alleged racist and homophobic attack on “Empire” star, Jussie Smollett, and the filmmaker was almost moved to tears.

Daniels, co-creator and director of the FOX hit series, “Empire” took to Instagram yesterday after reports emerged of the assault on Smollett and his subsequent hospitalization.

Smollett, who came out as gay in 2015, plays Jamal Lyon, a gay character, in “Empire.”

In the emotional Instagram video, Daniels referred to the actor as his “son.”

“You didn’t deserve, nor anybody deserves to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called ‘die [expletive]’ or whatever they said to you,” said Daniels.

He continued:

“You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. It starts at home. It starts at home. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are because it shows we are united on a united front and no racist [expletive] can come in and do the things that they did to you. Hold your head up, Jussie. I’m with you. I’ll be there in a minute. It’s just another [expletive] day in America.”

On Tuesday at approximately 2 a.m. in the 300 block of E. North Water Street, Smollett was beaten by two men who also yelled out “racial and homophobic slurs,” the Chicago Police Department confirmed in a statement.

The actor is said to have transported himself to a nearby hospital where he is reportedly in “good condition.”

The statement further reveals that the offenders poured an unidentified chemical substance on Smollett and wrapped a rope around his neck before fleeing the scene yelling: "This is MAGA country!"

“Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime,” they added.

Like Daniels, tons of celebrities have been reaching out to Smollett on social media, condemning the action and declaring their support for him.

Viola Davis tweeted:

“OMG!! THIS is why the LGBTQ community continue to fight to be seen and PROTECTED against hate! We ALL have to take this racist and homophobic act of violence very personally! My arms are around you @jussiesmollett. You are loved!”

“Empire” co-creator Danny Strong also said that he was “horrified” and “saddened” by the attacks on “a kind and profoundly talented soul whom I respect with all my heart.”