Empire renewed for sixth season but there are ‘no plans’ for the return of Jussie Smollett’s character

Empire has been renewed for a sixth season, but there are “no plans” for the return of Jussie Smollett’s character.

The actor won’t appear in the final two episodes of the most recent season, after originally being accused of filing a false police report, before the charges against him were dropped.

In a statement released by Fox, the network said: “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 news comes shortly after it was reported that many of his co-stars penned a letter to executives calling for Jussie’s return in season six.

According to E! News, stars such as Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson wrote a letter which said: “Together, as a united front, we stand with Jussie Smollett and ask that our co-star, brother and friend be brought back for our sixth season of Empire.“