Jussie Smollett Reportedly Negotiating Return For ‘Empire’ Finale
Actor and singer Jussie Smollett is reportedly negotiating to return to Fox’s Empire for its finale, as the New York Post reports.
Smollett was written out of the drama series after claiming that he was attacked by two men who yelled: “This is MAGA country!” and placed a noose around his neck.
Empire‘s showrunner Brett Mahoney told TV Line that the show is currently negotiating with the actor and singer who has been out of work since last June.
“It would be weird in my mind to end this family show and this family drama of which he was such a significant part of without seeing him,” Mahoney says. “It’s fair to say it’s being discussed, but there’s no plan as of yet to bring him back. There’s been no decision made.”
Smollett previously portrayed Jamal Lyon on Empire, Lucious and Cookie Lyon’s son who was written out of the show during season 5 after he made real-life headlines for his experience with the Chicago Police Department, who said that Smollett’s original claim was false.
Charged with filing a false report, Smollett’s charges were later dropped. However, Smollett’s role with Empire had already ended.
Although Fox extended Smollett’s contract when Empire was renewed for its final season, it said they had “no plans” to bring Smollett back to the show, according to TV Line.
