Jussie Smollett’s Siblings Criticize Irresponsible Media

Jussie Smollett’s Siblings Criticize Irresponsible Media

“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett‘s family is standing in their belief that he’s being truthful about being attack by two men in Chicago earlier this month. Jussie is one of six siblings born to Joel and Janet Smollett – and they have banded together in support of Jussie amid rumors that he concocted a fake racist/homophobic attack. Siblings Jake, Jurnee, JoJo, Jazz, Jocqui, and Jurnee released a joint statement on the ordeal. It reads:

“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, our beloved son and brother, Jussie, was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed.”

They continued:

“We want people to understand these targeted hate crimes are happening to our sisters, brothers and our gender non-conforming siblings, many who reside within the intersection of multiple identities, on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes even daily basis all across our country. Oftentimes ending fatally, these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake, words matter. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall. We, as a family, will continue to work for love, equity and justice until it reigns supreme in our nation and all over the world. With love & gratitude, The Smollett Family”

Since reports broke of possibility of the attack being fake, both Jurnee and Jocqui Smollett have posted cryptic messages to their Instagram pages. One of the messages from both siblings is a Malcolm X quote. It reads:

“This is the media, an irresponsible media. It will make the criminal look like he’s the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the media will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”

Jocqui posted a tweet from Twitter user @imgionni, noting that people will discredit Jussie Smollett’s story due to their own racist and homophobic views. The tweet reads:

“I have a feeling even if we had video of Jussie Smollett being attacked…y’all would still discredit him. Because it’s easier to believe what aligns with your contempt for survivors of hate crimes, sexual abuse, etc who happen to be LGBTQ+, disabled, or women.”

Do you believe Jussie Smollett’s story? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by Miata Shanay