Disgraced actor Jussie Smollett has been pictured for the first time since it was announced he wouldn't returning as a cast member on the hit TV show, Empire.
On Tuesday, Fox announced it is renewing the drama for a sixth season but said there would be one noticeable absentee - at least for now.
Adopting a somber demeanor, the 36-year-old reemerged to dine out with a friend in Studio City, California, on Friday.
Dressed in a dark jacket and large mirrored sunglasses, Smollett and his companion sat staring past one another - both with their earphones in - as they gorged on pizza outside an Italian restaurant.
Disgraced actor Jussie Smollett has been pictured for the first time since it was announced he wouldn't return as a cast member on the hit TV show, Empire
Adopting a somber demeanor, the 36-year-old reemerged to dine out with a friend in Studio City, California, on Friday
Smollett and his companion sat staring past one another - both with their earphones in - as they gorged on pizza outside an Italian restaurant
Dressed in a dark jacket and large mirrored sunglasses, Smollett and his companion sat opposite each other
Smollett appeared to be speaking on the phone through his headphones for much of meal
On Tuesday, Fox announced it is renewing the drama for a sixth season but said their would be one noticeable absentee in Smollett - at least for now
Fox claimed in a statement that the decision for Smollett not to reprise his role as Jamal for the upcoming season of Empire was made mutually.
'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.
The fact Fox negotiated 'an extension' to Smollett's contract means he could technically return to the show at a later date.
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 appear 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.'
For the meantime, it seems the embattled star has returned to the sunshine state seeking a fresh start - a possibly a fresh new apartment too.
Just two weeks ago his brother Jake - also an actor - was pictured hauling furniture from Smollett's Studio City residence and transporting it to a new luxury pad.
For the meantime, it seems the embattled star has returned to the sunshine state seeking a fresh start - a possibly a fresh new apartment too
Smollet appeared to be speaking on the phone through his headphones for much of meal
Smollett was spotted by eyewitnesses eating pizza with a group of his attorneys in Time Square, New York, earlier in the week before being snapped with his friend (pictured)
Jussie will be hoping for a fresh start in the sunshine state, after his brother was pictured moving furniture from his apartment last month
Appearing to be speaking on the phone through his headphones for much of meal, Smollett will be eagerly awaiting the news as to whether
