One of the stars of the television series Empire has been the target of a racist and homophobic attack.
Chicago Police Department said 35-year-old actor Jussie Smollett was attacked by two people "yelling out racial and homophobic slurs."
Jussie Smollett (centre) with Taraji P. Henson and Bryshere Gray in a scene from Empire.
Smollett's two attackers then poured "an unknown chemical substance" on him and placed a rope around his neck before fleeing the scene.
Smollett was able to transport himself to Northwestern Hospital after the attack, police said.
Police said the actor was "in good condition".
"Given the severity of the allegations we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime," a police spokesperson said.
The celebrity news website TMZ is reporting that the attackers approached Smollett using both racist and homophobic language.
TMZ is quoting witness reports that one of the attackers said "this is MAGA country" to Smollett as they fled, referring to US President Trump's catchphrase "Make America Great Again."
According to reports, the chemical substance which was poured on Smollett was bleach.
Smollett is one of the stars of the US drama Empire, in which he plays singer Jamal Lyon.
The Santa Rosa, California-born actor is gay.
The gay and lesbian advocacy group GLAAD said Smollett was a "true champion for LGBTQ people and is beloved by the community and allies around the world."
20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment, which produce Empire, released a statement saying the studio was "deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our Empire family was viciously attacked last night."
"We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice," the statement said.
"The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate, and especially against one of our own."
A number of high-profile actors and celebrities have also spoken of their affection for Smollett and shock at the intensity and nature of the attack.
"This is horrific," actor George Takei said via his social media account. "What kind of country do we live in?"
"This is heartbreaking and terrifying, please pay attention to what is happening here," the singer-actress Zendaya said.
Michael Idato is entertainment editor-at-large of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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