Last week, Fox announced the sixth season renewal for its hit series, “Empire.” However, amid the ongoing legal battle between Jussie Smollett and the City of Chicago, the network decided to move on without its star.
“By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for Season 6, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to ‘Empire,” Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox TV said.
But now, in the wake of the network’s decision, the show’s cast is standing behind their fellow co-star, demanding he return full-time
Show sources tell TMZ that cast members, including Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard, believe Jussie deserves a fair chance to return. In fact, according to the publication, as soon as Fox execs announced their decision, the cast immediately reached out to “Empire” execs to rally for Smollett’s return.
Sources say the cast believes Jussie’s character is an integral part of the show, especially after his character got married in the first gay, black wedding on primetime TV.
