The world has risen up to support Jussie Smollet following his horrific attack last week in Chicago, including Taraji P. Henson. 

The actress, who stars as Jussie’s mother on the Fox series Empire, gave an update on him while appearing on the Today show Monday morning: “Life is spiritual warfare and we’re seeing it right before our very eyes. You just have to stay close to what you know,” she said. “Jussie is love, that’s who he is. That’s all he knows. In this situation, hate won’t win. It will not.”

“I just told him to walk in his truth. To just stay the Jussie that everybody loves,” she added. “You saw the outpour of love that he has. He’s touched a lot of people in his career. I just told him, ‘Walk in your truth, baby, no one can take that from you.’” 

Jussie made his first public appearance since the attack on Saturday, performing at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He addressed the terrifying incident, saying that he will keep fighting against hate.

So will we, Jussie. So will we. 

“In this situation, hate won’t win. It will not.” @TherealTaraji talks Jussie Smollett and shares the words of encouragement she gave him after alleged attack pic.twitter.com/BxY2rKdhgr

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 4, 2019