Jussie Smollett, star of Empire, has noose put around neck in suspected hate crime attack

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A gay black TV star was attacked and had a rope put around his neck by two white attackers who reportedly shouted "This is MAGA country".

Jussie Smollett, 35, who stars in the series "Empire," was treated in hospital following the assault in Chicago.

He was attacked by two men in ski masks who yelled racist and homophobic abuse, TMZ, the celebrity news website reported.

The attackers made reference to MAGA – Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan – the website reported.

A Chicago police spokesman said: "We received a report of a possible racially charged assault and battery involving a cast member of the television show Empire.

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

Jussie Smollett at a Fox Networks Group event last yearCredit:
AP

The spokesman added: "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 offenders fled the scene."

The chemical substance was bleach, and Smollett was later released from hospital, TMZ reported.

Smollett plays Jamal Lyon, the gay son of a music mogul, in the popular series about an entertainment company, which is filmed in Chicago.

The attack happened at 2am after he had arrived on a late flight from New York and gone for something to eat.

The show’s co-creator Lee Daniels said the incident was "just another f****** day in America" and urged the nation to improve.

In a video on Instagram, an emotional Daniels said: "It’s taken me a minute to come to social media about this because Jussie you are my son.

"You didn’t deserve, nor does anybody deserve, to have a noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to be called ‘die f*****, n*****’ or whatever they said to you.

"You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that.

"It starts at home. We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are.

"No racist f*** 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 f****** day in America."

In a statement 20th Century Fox Television, which produces Empire, said: "We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our Empire family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night.

"We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice."

A spokesman added: "The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate, and especially against one of our own."

The FBI was already investigating a threatening letter sent to the actor a week ago, TMZ reported.

Ariana Grande was among a host of celebrities to offer support.

Grande said the incident left her "sick to my stomach" and sent, "all of the healing energy / love i possibly can and hoping for change".

Grande added: "What can we do ? tell me & i’m there."

Actress Olivia Munn wrote on Twitter the attack was, "why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussie’s life matters".

Alyssa Milano said she was struggling to put her feelings into a "neat & tidy tweet", adding, "Living together on the planet shouldn’t be this difficult".

Michael B Jordan wrote on Instagram: "Stand with my brother @jussiesmollett sending you light and love. Be strong We got you."