Jussie Smollett performs for first time since brutal attack

Jussie Smollett returned to the stage for the first time since he was reportedly attacked in Chicago. Police are investigating the violent alleged assault as a possible hate crime.

Smollett cleared up a few things while on stage at The Troubadour in Los Anfeles, including the fact that he was bruised but his ribs were not broken.

"I had to be here tonight. I couldn’t let them win," he told the crowd. Smollett also made it clear to fans that he "fought the fuck back.

The singer's family, Rep. Maxine Waters, and Empire creator Lee Daniels all attended the show, according to Entertainment Weekly.