The show must go on for Empire star Jussie Smollett.
The actor was hospitalized on Tuesday after being brutally attacked in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime. Smollett has since been discharged, but the truly awful Chicago incident sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the rest of the world.
Despite the horrific attack, the actor and musician’s show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood is still set for this Saturday, with no reported plans to cancel.
Related: Celebs React To Jussie’s Assault As ‘Empire’ Cast Equipped With Armed Guards
Per ET reports, the Los Angeles venue confirmed that their calendar, including Jussie’s slated performance, is up to date. A rep named Paul Kacick of the concert booking company Sean Healy Presents confirmed that it’s business as usual for now, and ticket holders would be notified if anything changes:
“We’re going on with the show as far as we know, until we hear anything different.”
Wow. Kind of shocking to hear after such a terrible incident. Hopefully security is tight for the show, if it truly still happens. And since it’s still a few days away, it leaves room for cancellation if the singer isn’t quite ready to hit the stage again.
On another note, production for Empire has been temporarily shut down for a reason completely unrelated to the attack, as the cast and crew battle severe weather conditions on location in Chicago.
Still though, the actor has received an outpour of love and support from his on-screen family, as many have posted heart-felt messages on social media. As we reported, FOX has stepped up security with armed guards for members of production after a threatening letter containing homophobic slurs was sent to Smollett just last week. The letter is being investigated in connection to the assault.
A Chicago PD spokesperson named Anthony Gugliemi continues to post updates on the investigation on Twitter, with this latest confirming that police have “expanded the search area for cameras to be able to provide photos of the alleged assailants in this attack.”
Hopefully the authorities are able to catch the assailants, and get justice for Jussie.
[Image via Derrick Salters/WENN.]
