Thursday, March 28, 2024

‘Empire’ Showrunner Says ‘I Believe and Stand By’ Jussie Smollett

jussie smollett - tears up - gma1

*As Jussie Smollett continues to face unforgiving criticism over what really went down in the alleged hate crime against him last month, the showrunner of the hit Fox music drama has once again spoken up in support of the embattled actor.

Taking to social media Sunday for the second time since the racially-charged assault in the early hours of January 29 in the Windy City, “Empire” executive producer Brett Mahoney hit up Twitter to write: I believe and stand by @JussieSmollett.  Keep your head up.@EmpireWriters @EmpireFOX

Fox also expressed support for the actor who portrays gay singer Jamal Lyon on the Lee Daniels and Danny Strong co-created series.

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“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous,” said 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment on February 14. “He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him,” Fox added.

As Chicago cops seek more information from the two Nigerian brothers who are being questioned to determine what role, if any, Smollett played in his own attack, the actor’s defense lawyers issued a statement on Saturday that their client “has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack.” They added, “nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”

Speaking on “Good Morning America” on February 14 in his first interview since the incident, Smollett said he thought the attack occurred because of his criticism of Donald Trump.

“I come really, really hard against 45,” the actor told GMA co-host Robin Roberts. “I come really, really hard against his administration, and I don’t hold my tongue.”

Meanwhile, Mahoney has remained consistent in his support of Smollett since news of the attack first broke.

“Jussie is a proud, gay black man, and I’m not sure if the cowards were trying to beat the pride, gay or black out of him but he’s strong and we’re happy he’s back at work,” Mahoney said onstage during part of Fox’s TCA presentation on February 6.

“Empire” is set to return for the second half of its fifth season on March 13, with Smollett, although his screentime is getting slashed, TMZ reports.

 

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