Fox renews Empire, but there are "no plans" to bring back Jussie Smollett "at this time"

TVLine

Empire is officially coming back for a sixth season, but Smollett's fate is still unclear after he was removed from the final two episodes of the season following his hate crime controversy. “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 studio 20th Century Fox TV said in a joint statement this afternoon. The renewal comes one day before the fifth season finale. According to TVLine, the decision to renew Smollett's contract and pay him for a full season "gives The Powers That Be some wiggle room in case they should opt to weave Jamal back into the show at some point." Smollett's spokesperson issued a statement saying: "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."