Breaking News
‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Assaulted In Reported Hate Crime
In a horrifying series of events, the popular star of Fox’s Empire, Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon) was assaulted at 2am this morning in Chicago, where he is currently filming episodes of the series..
According to the report from the Chicago Police Department, Smollett was walking down the street when two offenders approached him and began yelling racial and homophobic slurs toward him. The offenders then became physically violent, battering Smollett with their hands and pouring an “unknown chemical substance” on him. At some point during the attack, one of the offenders wrapped a rope around Smollett’s neck before fleeing the scene. Some reports have the attackers shouting Pro-MAGA comments and wearing ski masks.
Chicago PD said in a statement: “Given the severity of the allegations, we are taking this investigation very seriously and treating it as a possible hate crime. Detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline.”
Smollett was hospitalized following the attack, and is said to be in good condition and cooperating fully with investigators.
In addition, there is a possibility that this attack was premeditated. According to a report from That Grape Juice, Smollett had previously received a death threat in the mail with a drawing of him getting shot; accompanied by his name and a homophobic slur.
In an report/update from TMZ on the incident they state: “Sources directly connected to Jussie say the actor arrived in Chicago from New York late Monday, and at around 2 AM he was hungry and went to a Subway. We’re told when he walked out, someone yelled, ‘Aren’t you that f***ot ‘Empire’ n*****?’ The 2 men — both white and wearing ski masks — viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back, but they beat him badly and fractured a rib. They put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and as they left they yelled, ‘This is MAGA country.’ Jussie was taken to Northwestern Memorial where he was treated. He was discharged later Tuesday morning.”
Since the TMZ report, The Daily Beast’s Tim Teeman tweeted that according to a Chicago police spokesperson he spoke with, the attackers did not yell “This is MAGA country”. Chicago PD said, ‘There is no report of that being said.’ The spokesperson said the genders of the attackers was unknown, and their faces and hands had been covered.”‘
So, what do you think of this disgusting hate crime against Smollett? Please send your well-wishes to Jussie via the comment section below.
So very sad for Jussie. Hope his attackers are quickly caught and brought to a powerful justice. If people can’t accept, they should tolerate, and if they can’t do either, then never leave your home, because that is how small hater’s worlds are.
Donald Trump owns this.
Donald Trump’s supporters own this.
Everyone who allows racist and homophobic words to go unchecked in 2019 owns this.
Words are actions that lead to more actions.
Like this one.
My God. This is horrible. I hope they catch these guys in put them under the jail….
No one deserves this type of treatment!
It’s just that…disgusting! What the hell is wrong with people?
This is disturbing beyond words. He has been a frequent guest/guest host on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and have loved his positive approach to life, great smile and thankfulness for his job. I have read several reports today and it seems people HAVE to have someone to blame, whether it is being a racist, homophobia or making it political. Let’s get one thing straight. This is H-A-T-E. The men that attacked him are nothing better than a wild animal that needs to be caged. I hope these men are caught and are prosecuted to the fullest extent.
Get well, Jussie.
This is (some of) us. Sad. People spending more time judging and worrying about another person’s life choice while all the while THEY’RE the ones headed to Hell. Throwing MAGA crap in there is just a smoke screen if that was added. When men like this go after gay men it’s because that gay man struck a chord in them that they’ve ignored and basically get angry at themselves and react by taking it out on unsuspecting victims. That’s just the bottom line. More than to do with hate.
So sad,prayers for Jussie
Love him! Was horrified to read this…just unspeakable violence and sick. The irony is it sounds like a scene out of Empire.
Good thing they didn’t know he was Jewish, too. That’d be the icing on the cake.
this is what these fools consider “Making America Great Again”??
If they have their way, pretty soon Hell will look like a paradise compared to Orangemerica.
Send those MAGAtts down…. I’ll take it from there. The dragons could use some new chew toys.
It’s really unbelievable and sad that stuff like this still goes on in 2019. We should all be embarrassed and ashamed. White, black, brown, gay, straight, rich, poor, liberal, conservative there should be no acceptance for hate of any kind in this country period. Everyone needs to stop concerning themselves with what other people are doing in their lives, things that have no effect on you whatsoever, and worry about living your own life. The world would be a much better place if everyone did that. Live and let live.
Get well soon, Jussie.
Words cannot convey what I am feeling. This is totally vicious and ridiculous! What gives another person the right to take their issues out on another person? Jussie is an out and proud gay man and has the right to live his life and love as he pleases. This —- cannot be accepted or allowed!
I am left stunned and angry! I wish Jussie nothing but the best and a speedy recovery. It is my hope that these two attackers are brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one should have to go through what Jussie went through early Tuesday morning.
this hurts
this hurts , like no other (s)
I certainly do believe that the current climate ( MAGA ) has heightened the fear.
FEAR … afraid to come out… because I did not make that choice… I am born not unlike you
oh Lord… after all the effort… Obama reached. this is definitely, one of those times… one step forward, two steps back. we have definitely taken , with a lot of legislation by the current GOP … taken steps back in denigrating another human being (s). like legally, right ? after the marriage law was made legal… I had hoped that the , “tolerance” would ebb and flow and acceptance seep in to our consciousness.
“Mr. Jussie Smollett” My heart is with you… as I search again and again my soul to remain vigilant and forward to that day when ALL walks of life reach an accord
These attacks have definitely increased since Trump took office. Racist, anti-gay… anti semitic attacks have increased by 60%. He’s unleashed all the roaches that were always there but under the woodwork. Now they’re freely crawling among us.
just read that he is now telling a different story.. I hope this is not true!!
Real believable story. Now racists carry bleach at 2 a.m.?
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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