Fox: Jussie Smollett will not return to Empire for the final episodes

TheWrap

“He will not be coming back,” Fox Entertainment president Michael Thorn said, addressing rumors that Smollett might come back in time for the series finale. “As you would expect when you’re finishing an iconic series like Empire, that Brett (Mahoney), as the showrunner, along with his producing partners, would certainly have discussions about what’s the best way to finish the show. In this case, Jussie will not be coming back for the finale.”