Jussie Smollett tearfully speaks out at first concert since attack: 'I fought ... back'

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 are calling a hate crime.

While performing Saturday night at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, the "Empire" star tearfully told fans that he's on the mend following the assault.

"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."

Related: Jussie Smollett says he's OK after attack: 'My body is strong but my soul is stronger'

Following the one-hour show, Smollett set the record straight on several points. The actor said he suffered bruised, not broken, ribs before heading immediately to the doctor. He clarified he wasn't hospitalized and that he received clearance to perform from physicians in Chicago and Los Angeles.

"And above all, I fought the (expletive) back," he said to cheers. "I'm the gay Tupac (Shakur)," he triumphantly declared before laughing.

'Hate will not win': 'Empire' co-star Taraji P. Henson decries Jussie Smollett attack

Saturday marked Smollett's first show since the attack, but it's not the first time he addressed the incident.

In a statement obtained Friday by USA TODAY, the actor wrote: "Let me start by saying that I’m OK. My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly, I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words."

Jussie Smollett's family speaks out: 'This was a racial and homophobic hate crime'

Police said the actor was attacked in Chicago early Tuesday morning by two masked men who shouted "racial and homophobic slurs." Detectives said the assailants punched Smollett in the face, poured a chemical on him and wrapped a rope around his neck.

Sgt. Cindy Guerra confirmed to USA TODAY that Smollett told police in a follow-up interview that his alleged attackers yelled, "This is MAGA country."

An investigation is underway.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Jussie Smollett: Chicago Police say 'Empire' star came home with rope around his neck

More: Attack highlights amplified risks facing black LGBT community

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jussie Smollett tearfully speaks out at first concert since attack: 'I fought ... back'