Jussie Smollett axed from the American TV series Empire, as reports have it that it is highly unlikely the embattled star is to return for the next season of the show. Although it has not been confirmed officially yet, sources close to the production team are saying that the actor could be dropped from continuing shooting, as his alleged hoax homophobic and racial attack will not just go away.
According to a statement from Fox, the network announced, “By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to ‘Empire.’” as per Blast magazine.
Smollett’s rep released a statement as well, saying, “We’ve been told Jussie will not be on ‘Empire’ at the beginning of the season but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open. Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and ‘Empire’ leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.”
“Empire” was renewed for a sixth season, the network also said.
Jussie Smollett axed from the show to keep viewer, who could be turning to a rival TV series by 50cent, Power…and sensing this, the Empire crew are doing everything possible to manage the situation the best possible way.
Jussie Smollett was suspended from the fifth season’s final two episodes with the producers saying at the time, “While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our trust in the legal system as the process plays out. We are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of ‘Jamal’ from the final two episodes of the season.”
The case which was discharge could still be open for a continuation of trial, as Kim Foxx is already been dragged to court for her role in all of the saga.
The Nigerian brothers are also said to be filing a lawsuit against Jussie Smollett legal team, where they have alleged that one of the brothers was having a sexual relationship with the Empire actor. They are filing a lawsuit against the legal team, as they fear for their lives and that of their family in Nigeria, where homosexual is a crime.
Clearly, the Empire team are trying to stay away from the whole drama, that has attracted a world wide attention.