Jussie Smollett will not be
returning to U.S. television series "Empire", the show's creator
says, marking the first public confirmation that the actor has
been dropped after a furor over claims that he was the victim of
a hate crime.
Responding to a Variety report that writers were discussing
scenarios in which Smollett's character would return towards the
end of the sixth and final season, "Empire" creator Lee Daniels
wrote on Twitter on Tuesday; "Jussie will NOT be returning to
Empire."
Smollett, 36, who is black and gay, ignited a firestorm by
telling police in January that two apparent supporters of U.S.
President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck
and poured bleach over him while yelling racist and homophobic
slurs on a Chicago street.
Chicago police later accused Smollett of making up the
attack but the actor maintained his innocence and prosecutors in
March dismissed criminal charges against him.
Smollett, who played gay singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on the
show about a family in the hip-hop entertainment business, was
dropped from the final episodes of season 5 earlier this year.
The Fox network, now owned by Walt Disney Co, said
in April that there were no plans to bring his character back
for Season 6, which is expected to air this fall, but left open
a contractual option for Smollett to return.
Fox has said "Empire" will end after Season 6.
Representatives for Smollett did not return a request for
comment on him being dropped from the show.