Meanwhile, choreographer Frank Gatson reveals he was the one taking the 'Ask Me Anything' actor to the hospital on the night of the 'scary' incident which left his 'stomach was numb.'
- February 7, 2019
AceShowbiz - Jussie Smollett has returned to the set of "Empire" after he was targeted in a hate crime attack last week, as his friend who was with him at the time of the "scary" incident opened up about just what happened.
The 35-year-old gay actor was assaulted outside his apartment in Chicago on Tuesday, January 29, when he was beaten by two men, who poured a chemical substance over him and tied a noose around his neck. Police are still investigating the incident, but Jussie is attempting to get his life back to normal and returned to the set of his hit U.S. TV show on Monday.
According to TMZ, Jussie filmed a scene for the upcoming fifth season of the programme on Monday, and participated in a table read with his castmates on Tuesday.
His choreographer Frank Gatson was with Jussie at the time of the attack, and told Extra that he was the one who called the emergency services.
"I was there with Jussie," he said. "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."
"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."
Frank added that Jussie is "a very strong guy", but criticised those who don't understand "it's people's business what their sexuality is".
Meanwhile, "Empire" executive producers Brett Mahoney and Danny Strong also spoke about the incident as they attended Fox's Television Critics Association winter press tour on Wednesday, and told reporters there's a chance the attack may inspire a plot line in the series.
"I think a story like this could happen in Empire, just because it is such a timely story," Brett said. "But not as a result of this."
"We're really concerned about security for the cast and the crew. That's the priority," Danny added. "I don't know (if it will be a storyline) yet. We're just worried about him right now, so as far as where it goes, it's not being discussed."
