{STREETZMORNINGTAKEOVER} JUSSIE SMOLLETT SPEAKS ABOUT ATTACK AT HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE PRIOR

JUSSIE SMOLLET SPEAKS!

Jussie Smollett took the stage in Los Angeles at his first concert since being attacked less than a week ago in what his family and the Chicago police consider a hate crime

While performing Saturday night at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, the “Empire” star tearfully told fans that he’s recovering following the assault. Check out a snippet of what he said:

#JussieSmollett takes the stage at the Troubadour. He gets emotional, saying he’s “not fully healed” but he will be. pic.twitter.com/OZ3LZqKeRQ

— Zulekha Nathoo (@ZulekhaNathoo) February 3, 2019

“The most important thing I can say is thank you so much, and I’m OK … I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m going to,” Smollett told the audience after finding his words. “I’m going to stand strong with you all,” he added, prompting encouraging applause from the crowd.

Smollett, who is gay, said he refused to postpone the previously scheduled show, despite several family members urging him to do so: “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I couldn’t let those (expletives) win. I will always stand for love. I will only stand for love.”