image via Taraji P. Henson Instagram
Despite previously unconfirmed reports, it looks like the execs at FOX are standing with Jussie Smollett and have issued an official statement on his status as a cast member of ‘Empire.’
It was reported earlier this week that Jussie’s role as Jamal Lyon on ‘Empire’ was being cut down and that he would be receiving less screen time in the coming episodes that are currently being filmed.
All due to the ongoing investigation by the Chicago police following the 36-year-old actor filing a report about being attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him on Jan. 29.
Despite those rumors stating that Jussie would see his characters presence phased out of future episodes, FOX issued an official statement denying those claims and stating that they are standing with Jussie while this investigation continues.
“Jussie Smollett continues to be a consummate professional on set and as we have previously stated, he is not being written out of the show,” the network and studio said in a statement Tuesday.
Fox, 20th and Smollett’s reps all declined to comment on whether his workload had been reduced. A source told The Hollywood Reporter that the plan for Smollett’s character is in flux while the investigation continues.
The network and studio have been steadfastly behind Smollett during the investigation. When rumors that Smollett might be written out of Empire first surfaced, Fox and 20th called the idea “patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”
Jussie’s good friend and co-star Taraji P. Henson stopped by Dr. Oz‘s show this week to dish on her new film and also spoke briefly on his current situation.
‘Empire’ is scheduled to return to Fox on March 13 for the second half of its fifth season.
