“Empire” Will Return For A Sixth Season Without Jussie Smollett

Last week, in an attempt to make everyone forget how Jussie Smollett turned the entire country into Velma from Scooby Doo when we unmasked the culprit behind his alleged attack in January as (GASP!) JUSSIE SMOLLETT, FOX aired an episode of Empire featuring the first marriage between two black gay male characters ever. However, as groundbreaking as that wedding was, the reception should have included an appearance from Flo Rida as the musical guest because those ratings were low, low, low. Luckily for the cast and crew of Empire they will live to fight for another season of drama and Lucious’ questionable hairstyles. But if you’re hoping to see Jussie in season, six let that go right now because it’s most likely not happening.

Many would agree that Empire has had a pretty crazy run since its inception in 2015. The ratings and storyline have been all over the place with many fans abandoning ship after the second season. But for those of us who continued to soldier on, the Jussie situation was the final nail in the coffin. However, taking him out of the equation entirely, Variety reports that Empire will be back for another season of guns and glamour. But the only way Jussie will be a part of it is if he starts doing YouTube recaps from the confines of his own home because that ass won’t be on the show next year.

“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,’” Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television said in a statement.

That sounds like a whole bunch of legalese for “Make sure Jussie sends us back his parking pass and badge because if we catch him on set he’s gonna catch these hands!” Honestly, I didn’t think Empire would be coming back after Jussie’s scandal turned out the way it did so I’m surprised that Fox renewed it. However Jussie and his team were probably not surprised at all at this outcome because the statement they released sounds like it was drafted months ago.

A spokesperson for Smollett said in a statement, “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. Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and ‘Empire’ leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.”

The cast and crew over at Empire better start stacking these last checks because I’m calling it; Empire won’t make it through that entire sixth season. Why continue if you’re not going to showcase a signature character like Jamal Lyon? That’s like having an entire season without the real star of the show: Cookie’s amazing wigs!

Pic: Fox