Jussie Smollett Jokingly Declares Himself The Gay Tupac, Tells Crowd “I Fought The F**k Back!”

Jussie Smollett Returns To The Stage In First Performance Since Brutal Attack

It’s been a little less than a week since he suffered a brutal attack in Chicago at the hands of racist, homophobic MAGA supporters, but actor/singer Jussie Smollett isn’t letting that stop him from doing what he loves. He recently returned to the stage for the first time since his brutal attack.

Over the weekend Empire star Jussie Smollett performed at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, taking the stage for the first time since he was attacked by two men in MAGA hats in the early morning hours of January 29. During his inspiring performance he was noticeably fighting back tears, while also addressing what happened to him, saying “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I can’t let the motherf**kers win.”

Continuing to speak to the 400-person crowd, Smollett got more detailed with his comments, specifically how he’s doing since the attack:

“I have so many words on my heart. The most important thing I have to say is thank you so much and that I’m okay. I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m going to. And I’m gonna stand strong with y’all… l will always stand for love. I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love. And I hope that you all will stand with me. So now… let’s do it.”

Just before the final song in his set, Smollett, who’s family members were also in attendance, addressed the crowd referencing the rumors floating around about the incident:

“Just because there has been a lot of stuff said about me that’s absolutely not true…” I’m sure my lawyer’s sitting up there like. ‘No, Jussie, no! No! Shut the f— up and sing.’ I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked; they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately… I was not hospitalized. Both my doctors in L.A. and Chicago cleared me to perform, but said to take care, obviously. And above all: I fought the f— back.”

After he jokingly referred to himself as “the gay Tupac,” his last words before he left the stage were simple:

“We are proud. We are gay.”

In addition to his boyfriend, there were notable celebrities in the crowd during Smollett’s performance, including Lee Daniels, Rep. Maxine Waters and actor/activist Wilson Cruz.

You can watch clips from Smollett’s performance BELOW:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtaVBKxBm9w/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtaWq85Bcpv/

Are you happy that Jussie Smollett has returned to work? Do you think they will prosecute the men responsible?