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Jussie Smollett not returning to Empire as permanent cast member after show is renewed for season 6


Jussie’s future on Empire is in doubt (Picture: Fox/Getty)

Empire has been renewed for season six but Jussie Smollett may not be returning permanently, just weeks after the hoax attack charges against him were dropped.

Fox has confirmed that Empire has been renewed for season six but cast doubt about Jussie’s future in the hit drama.

In a statement released to TMZ, Fox said: ‘By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season 6, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire.’

Yep, we’re just as confused as you.

Jussie, 36, has been a main cast member alongside the likes of Terrence Howard and Taraji P Henson since the show began in 2015.

Just last week, his character Jamal made LGBT history with the first black gay wedding on TV (Picture: Fox)

He plays Jamal Lyon, an aspiring singer who came out to his family – and the world – as a gay man back in season one.

In last week’s episode, Jussie made LGBT history after Jamal got married to his on-screen boyfriend Kai Givens (Toby Onwumere) becoming the first black gay wedding to air on TV.

However, his character was written out of season five’s last two episodes in light of Jussie’s real life controversy.

In March, all charges against Jussie for allegedly filing a false police report were dropped after weeks of mounting scandal.

The TV star was accused of being untruthful about being attacked by two men in Chicago, Illinois back in February.

All charges against Jussie were dropped (Picture: Getty Images)

The Chicago Police Department claimed Jussie made up the story for financial gain and to boost his career.

Jussie persistently had the support of his Empire cast mates, who wrote an open letter calling for his contract to be renewed.

The letter said: ‘Together, as a united front, we stand with Jussie Smollett and ask that our co-star, brother and friend be brought back for our sixth season of Empire.

‘Throughout Empire’s five seasons working with Jussie and watching how he has conducted himself throughout this traumatic event, we have come to know not just the character Jussie portrays, but also truly come to know Jussie’s personal character. He is kind. He is compassionate.’

It continued: ‘He is honest and above all he is filled with integrity. He is also innocent and no longer subject to legal uncertainty with the criminal charges against him having been dropped.’

Jussie’s legal woes aren’t over just yet as the City of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against the actor to recover costs of investigating the case.

Notably, Empire is filmed in Chicago where the attack is said to have taken place.



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MORE: Jussie Smollett shares ‘pride’ in Empire return as he makes US TV history with first same-sex black marriage

MORE: Jussie Smollett returns to Empire for Season 5 after cast write open letter begging for his reinstatement





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