Jussie Smollett has previously faced charges of 16 counts for allegedly filing a false police report after claiming he was a victim of a hate crime. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and eventually they were all dropped. Will he return to playing Jamal Lyon on Empire? Taraji P. Henson answered that question and more.
Jussie Smollett released a statement saying he wants to get back to work
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Taking cues from @jussiesmollett. #Empire #BehindTheScenes
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The actor gave a short statement outside of court when it was announced the charges were dropped. He talked about where he wanted to go from here.
“I’d like nothing more than just get back to work and move on with my life,” Smollett said. He also maintained that he is innocent.
“I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one,” he said. “This has been an incredibly difficult time, honestly one of the worst of my entire life, but I am a man of faith and I am a man that has knowledge of my history and I wouldn’t bring my family, our lives, or the movement through a fire like this.” What did the network have to say?
Fox issued a statement after all charges were dropped
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Striking a pose #BehindTheScenes! #Empire
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When Smollett was still in the middle of his legal issues he was reportedly cut out of the final episodes of Season 5 before it went on hiatus. That didn’t bode well for the actor’s future on the show.
There were also reports that ratings were already falling for Empire that season compared to last season. Producer Brett Mahoney gave a little insight into how production feels about the situation.
Mahoney said the situation was an “emotional roller” and “You have someone in your family who’s going through this, while at the same time, we’re shooting the final episodes of the season, which are also just heightened emotionally. So it was a lot to deal with and a lot to go through.”
He still felt confident Empire would return. Fox issued a statement after the news that the charges were dropped. “Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified that all charges against him have been dismissed,” read the statement.
Taraji P. Henson said Smollett will return to the show
The co-star talked about the status of the FOX show. It just wrapped up Season 5 for the winter hiatus and it has yet to be renewed for another season, but things are still moving forward.
“The show is doing well,” she said on The View. “We’re on hiatus right now. The writers are trying to figure out what the next season is going to look like, what our storyline is going to be. They’re trying to drum up some really good juicy stuff for you guys.”
She also gave an update on Smollett. “I talk to Jussie all the time, and he’s doing well. We’re all doing well,” she said. She was asked if Smollett will be returning to the show. “Yes, I haven’t heard anything else,” she answered.
It looks like there might be a good chance Smollett will back if the show continues. There has yet to be an announcement whether it has been renewed.
Read more: Jussie Smollett’s Check to Two Brothers Reportedly for Training Not Attack
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