Smollett grabbed lunch with Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney in New York City on Wednesday afternoon, hours before his final episode of Season 5 aired on Fox. Their lunch also happened to coincide the release of the Empire cast's letter in support of him returning to the show next season -- if there is a next season. When a Page Six reporter approached the table, Smollett politely turned down questions, saying: “I wish I could” talk. ALSO: Here's how Smollett was written out of Season 5, two episodes early.
TOPICS: Jussie Smollett, FOX, Empire, Brett Mahoney