Jussie Smollett will not return to season 6 of Empire, announces Fox Entertainment

Fox Entertainment on 30 April said that Jussie Smollett will not return to his series Empire next season in the wake of allegations by Chicago officials the actor lied about a racially motivated attack. “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,” the studio said in a statement that gave no reasoning was given for the decision. [caption id=“attachment_6125901” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Jussie Smollett. The Associated Press[/caption] Fox announced earlier Tuesday that the drama about a hip-hop record label and the fiery family behind it had been renewed for a sixth season. A Smollett representative released a statement to several media outlets suggesting a hope that he may eventually return. “We’ve been told that Jussie will not be on Empire in the beginning of the season but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open,” the statement said. “Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and Empire leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.” Smollett’s character was removed from the final two episodes of season five. Chicago police allege Smollett paid two brothers to help him stage a January attack in which he said two masked men beat him, hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him, doused him with a chemical substance and put a rope around his neck. Smollett, who is black and gay, maintains the attack wasn’t staged. He was arrested, but prosecutors later dropped the charges . Empire films each episode in Chicago.