‘Empire’ fans rejoicing at reports the hit FOX series has been renewed for a season 6 were dealt a crushing blow when the network revealed one of its stars, Jussie Smollett, is unlikely to return.

Details inside:

Source:

“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,” the network said. 

Speaking on the show’s renewal overall, FOX execs stated:

“Empire continues to break barriers with its emotionally powerful storytelling, and it remains a core part of the FOX legacy,” said Michael Thorn, President of Entertainment for Fox Entertainment, in a statement on the renewal. “We want to thank everyone on the show—Taraji, Terrence and the entire cast, as well as Lee, Danny, Brett, Sanaa, Brian, Francie, Dennis and their teams —all of whom have done a tremendous job this season. We know there are so many more stories to tell, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for Season Six.”

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The news above comes after highly publicized pleas from Smollett’s fans, family, and even co-star Taraji P. Henson to have him reinstated as part of the cast after his controversial indictments for an alleged falsely filed police report were dropped.

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