More details about the alleged assault on Jussie Smollett have been revealed by the man who was apparently with him that night in Chicago.
Frank Gatson, the Empire star’s choreographer and creative director in Chicago, told Extra that Smollett had contacted him following the brutal attack on January 29, revealing:
“I was there with Jussie. I’m the one who called 911, I am the one who took him to the hospital, and it was so scary man, that was a scary night, my stomach was numb.”
Chilling.
Gatson went on to explain that it was his idea to get the police involved, as Smollett did not want to report the apparent hate crime. He recalled:
“I’m just glad I was the old man at his apartment when he got there. I was responsible. I said let’s call the cops, let’s go to the hospital, shout out to Chicago police, especially the sergeant that came and got things together and made us feel comfortable.”
Last week, Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi released an update on the case, revealing that detectives obtained footage that could lead to the arrests of Smollett’s attackers.
Related: Jussie Makes First Public Appearance Since Attack
According to the report, Smollett was attacked at about two in the morning. Guglielmi said the actor walked to Subway “just after midnight and on his way back, he was attacked by two men.”
After returning to his apartment afterward, Smollett reportedly called his manager — we assume he’s referring to Gatson — who quickly made his way to Smollett’s apartment. Guglielmi noted that “the manager called us at 2:40 a.m.,” adding:
“[Units] responded to the residence to take a report and the victim was still wearing the rope around his neck when they arrived. He explained to them why he had the rope around his neck, and the officers closed their body cams at his request, because they were in his private residence.”
Thank goodness Gatson was there to drive Smollett to the hospital and report the attack. These men need to be brought to justice!
Related: FBI Screening All ‘Empire’ Fan Mail Following Jussie Attack
Watch the actor’s friend recall the scary night (below).
[Image via Derrick Salters/Judy Eddy/WENN]
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