By Canadian Press

Fox: Jussie Smollett won’t be on final season on ‘Empire’

Aug 7, 2019 | 1:45 PM

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Fox Entertainment chief Charlie Collier says Jussie Smollett won’t be back on “Empire.”

Collier, speaking to TV critics Wednesday, affirmed series co-creator Lee Daniels’ decision to drop Smollett from the drama’s upcoming final season.

Daniels had initially supported Smollett after the actor claimed he suffered a racist and anti-gay attack in Chicago.

But when Smollett faced charges for allegedly fabricating the attack, Daniels said the matter had become painful and frustrating for him and the “Empire” cast .

Prosecutors dropped the charges against Smollett in March, but a special prosecutor could charge him again .

Holiday festivities

Ponoka's Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees begins next week

Nov 16, 2024

Holiday charity

Pattison Media raises $28,000 for The Outreach Centre during Day of Holiday Hope radiothon

Nov 16, 2024

Ending hunger

Canadian Foodgrains Bank highlights work at event in Red Deer

Nov 15, 2024

Asked why Fox had extended Smollett’s contract through the sixth and last season despite his legal peril, Collier said the network wanted to properly assess the situation before making a decision about Smollett’s future with “Empire.”

The Associated Press