Jussie Smollett has had a whirlwind week following his headline making attack in Chicago just days ago. On Saturday, the ‘Empire‘ star made his first public appearance since the unprovoked racist and homophobic attack that took place on January 29.
The actor/singer performed to a sold out crowd at the Troubadour in West Hollywood and got emotional on stage as he addressed fans about the incident and thanked everyone for their support.
via EW:
Fans waited in the rain to listen to the Empire star, who opened his set by explaining why he decided to perform after the Jan. 29 incident in Chicago. “I had to be here tonight y’all,” he told the standing-room-only audience. “I couldn’t let those mother f–kers win.”
Smollett also fought back tears as he admitted he wasn’t “fully healed.” But he’s on his way, he added. He was accompanied at the concert by his siblings, including brother Jocqui, who told the crowd that “my family realized that tonight was an important part of Jussie’s healing…on behalf of the Smollett family, we are so proud of our brother.”
Backed by singers and a keyboardist, Smollett’s performed “Freedom,” the first track from last year’s debut album “Sum of my music,” along with “No doubt about it” and “Heavy” from his Fox drama about a fictitious hip hop music company and that family that runs it. “This song has new meaning to me,” he said of the latter tune. Smollett plays Jamal Lyon in the series, which is currently in its fifth season on Fox.
Empire’s creator Lee Daniel was among the 400 or so in attendance, along with U.S. Rep Maxine Waters and Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life). There was a scheduled meet and greet for special ticket holders but it was reportedly canceled due to security concerns. But Smollett still tried to accommodate the boisterous fans, one of whom stood in the front row with Empire soundtracks.
“I’ll sign them I promise!” said Smollett, who was dressed simply in a white shirt and black pants.
Get into some of the moment below.
Jussie Smollett tears up as he addresses LA crowd at his 1st concert since the homophobic and racist attack. pic.twitter.com/Gzxdk3pT0p
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 3, 2019
Jussie Smollett speaks out at Los Angeles performance. pic.twitter.com/l8QZAQfubW
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 3, 2019
