Trump finally comments on Jussie Smollett attack: 'It doesn't get worse'

Police are still searching for the two men involved in the attack

(Getty Images)

Donald Trump has called the attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett “horrible” and condemned the assault by two men who allegedly referenced the US president’s “MAGA” campaign slogan as they assaulted him.

Smollett, who is black and came out as gay in 2015, was attacked in Chicago just after 2.30am on Tuesday (29 January). The 36-year-old actor said the men, who were described as white and wearing balaclavas, yelled racist and homophobic slurs, put a rope tied like a noose around his neck, and poured a chemical substance – believed to be bleach – over his head.

The attack is being investigated as a possible hate crime and Chicago police are searching for the men involved. Surveillance images were recently released of “persons of interest”.

Two days before, a letter containing a white powder and homophobic message referencing Smollett was sent to the Empire set. Police are investigating whether the two events are linked.

Trump appeared at an unrelated press pool at the White House where he was asked for a comment.

“That I can tell you is horrible,” he said, according to Deadline. “It doesn’t get worse.”

Fellow celebrities have been sending messages of support to Smollett, including his Empire co-stars Taraji P Henson and Naomi Campbell, Reese Witherspoon, Terry Crews and Ariana Grande.

Smollett’s family have also released a statement, calling the attack a “racial and homophobic hate crime” and an instance of “domestic terrorism”, Variety reports.

“We are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice,” the family said. “Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and the huge amount of love he has received. We are thankful to our village for your immense support during this trying time. We are so grateful that God saw him through this cowardly attack alive. Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed.”