Jussie Smollett will not return to Empire after show renewed for season 6

Charges were dropped against the actor last month, after he was accused of lying to the police about being the victim of an alleged racist, homophobic attack

Fox has announced it has no plans for Jussie Smollett to return to Empire, after the show was renewed for a sixth season.

Charges were dropped against the actor last month in Chicago, after he was accused of lying to the police about being the victim of an alleged racist, homophobic attack.

Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyon on the show, had been written out of the final two episodes of season five in February, amid his court case.

The actor, who has maintained his innocence throughout the case, said he had been ”truthful and consistent on every level since day one”.

With news that the show has been renewed for another season, Fox has issued a statement (via E! News) revealing that Smollett will not, at this point, return to the show.

“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 statement read.

Smollett’s final episode featured Jamal’s wedding to Kai (Toby Onwumere), but his exit has not yet been addressed on the show.

Last month, co-star Taraji P Henson told hosts of The View that Smollett would return for the new season. “Yes,” she responded. “I haven’t heard anything else. I haven’t heard anything.”