It’s only been about two months since Jussie Smollett‘s claim of being the victim of a racist, homophobic attack was discredited, leading to a criminal indictment.
(We know, life comes at you fast.)
For those who’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop for the Empire star — or, more appropriately waiting for the show to drop the actor — today is the day.
Jussie will no longer be appearing on the hit show.
Related: Unindicted Donald Trump Calls Smollett A ‘Disgrace’
However, saying he’s been fired wouldn’t strictly speaking be accurate, not exactly.
Fox released a statement on Tuesday explaining:
“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.”
So he’s fired. But not really?
Is he still getting paid? A year off with pay? TV money at that? Yeah, doesn’t seem like much of a punishment to us…
Maybe the “mutual agreement” was one of those things where they told him they’d pay him what he’s worth then slid over a slip of paper that said “$0”?
The network seems to be unwilling to commit to a full-on termination of his contract, likely due to the continued controversy surrounding Jussie.
After all, the charges were dropped by the district attorney — but that didn’t exactly exonerate him, certainly not in the public eye.
Related: Nigerian Brothers Sue Jussie’s Legal Team For Defamation
There was plenty of evidence we already saw which made him look guilty of setting up a hoax and even more promised; not to mention the prosecutor’s leniency was apparently against the wishes of the mayor and the police.
In fact, the City of Chicago is in the process of bringing a civil suit against Jussie — one which could lead to even more evidence showing criminal behavior.
On the other hand, his guilt has not been decided by a court of law.
And, perhaps most importantly, he hasn’t ever admitted to any wrongdoing but instead remained indignant despite the evidence against him.
That fact has allowed many fans to continue supporting him and choosing to believe his story despite everything they’ve seen, including his alleged partners in crime coming forward and testifying against him.
Man, we cannot get over how much it seems he’s pulling a Donald Trump here. Maybe this really is MAGA country…
Jussie’s costars asked for him to return to the show, penning an open letter to the network saying:
“Throughout Empire’s five seasons working with Jussie and watching how he has conducted himself throughout this traumatic event, we have come to know not just the character Jussie portrays, but also truly come to know Jussie’s personal character. He is kind. He is compassionate. He is honest and above all he is filled with integrity.”
No word yet how they are reacting to the news he will not be back for Season Six.
[Image via Fox/YouTube.]
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