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Co-star Vivica A. Fox also spoke out.

I'm just now hearing the news about the senseless hate attack on my #EMPiRE Nephew @JussieSmollett IM SO ANGRY AND HURT ABOUT THIS! THIS MUST STOP!! SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE! PRAYERS UP TO U NEPHEW! ?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/p4GqfNW3An

— Vivica A. Fox (@MsVivicaFox) January 29, 2019

Smollett's \"Empire\" character, Jamal, is the son of a hip-hop mogul who initially has trouble accepting that Jamal is gay.

Fox, the network that airs \"Empire,\" added a statement of its own about the attack, writing, \"We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, 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 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.”

After hitting it big in \"Empire,\" Smollett said he likes to stay away from talking about his personal life, but he did speak about how he identifies to Ellen DeGeneres in 2015.

\"There's never been a closet that I've been in,\" he said. \"There is, without a doubt, no closet that I've ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear.\"

In previous interviews, Smollett wouldn't talk about his sexuality but did say fans and others shouldn't try to fit him into any box.

After those statements in 2015, fellow cast member Taraji P. Henson wrote on Twitter, \"So proud of you!!!!!\"

Beyond being an actor, Smollett is an outspoken activist and a symbol of hope to many fans.

An honor. Thank you for all you do @5000RoleModels ??????? https://t.co/m4Jdaf7K9l

— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) January 27, 2019

He was recently inducted into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project earlier this month and publicly announced he was supporting Time's Up's 4 percent challenge to get more female talent calling the creative shots on important Hollywood projects.

.@jurneesmollett you already know. I accept the @timesupnow #4percentChallenge y’all with it @JeniferLewis @TheBrettMahoney @octarell @leedanielsent @BrianGrazer @MarioVanPeebles? https://t.co/qwBLrzj7RG

— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) January 26, 2019

GLAAD released a statement Tuesday evening, praising Smollett for always using \"his voice and talent to create a better world.\"

\"Our hearts are with Jussie Smollett as he recovers from a hate-motivated and repugnant attack in Chicago. Jussie has always used his voice and talent to create a better world, and it is disgusting that anyone, especially someone who has done such good for so many, would be targeted by undeniable hatred,\" the statement read in part.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the FBI was leading the investigation into the alleged attack. The FBI is investigating the prior threat against Smollett.

ABC News' Karma Allen contributed this report.

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