Jussie Smollet WON'T return to Empire as Fox renews show for sixth season with no plans to bring back his character By Rachel Mcgrath For Dailymail.com Published: 23:41 BST, 30 April 2019 | Updated: 23:56 BST, 30 April 2019 Viewcomments Actor Jussie Smollett will not be returning to TV show Empire. On Tuesday, Fox announced it is renewing the drama for a sixth season but without Smollett's character, at least for now. '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 media corporation said in a statement, as reported by Variety. Out: Actor Jussie Smollett will not be returning to TV show Empire. Fox announced Tuesday it's renewed the show for a sixth season with no plans for his character Jamal The fact Fox negotiated 'an extension' to Smollett's contract means that technically he could make a return at some later point. But it might also just be the result of a bargain struck between the actor and the network which would see him paid by Fox in return for picking up his option even though he won't be back on screen. A rep for Smollett told THR.com: 'We've been told 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.' The news comes one week after Smollett met with Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney in New York. A rep for Smollett told THR.com: 'We've been told 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' In his last episode that aired last week, Smollett's character Jamal married his boyfriend Kai, played by Toby Onwumere In January, Smollett claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. Chicago police accused Smollett of making up the hate crime assault story. He maintained his innocence and prosecutors dismissed criminal charges against him in March. However, the city of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against him seeking to recoup the cost of the police investigation. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility