The Jussie Smollett controversy continues to be weird...and confusing.
In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty. Prosecutors dropped charges that Smollett faked a hate crime in Chicago despite all but telling the media that he did it. A lot of people are angry that the charges were dropped since Smollett - who has been virulently anti-Trump in the media - claimed two guys beat him while yelling, "This is MAGA country!"
Despite all the talk of guilt, Jussie blasted police for charging him and the cast of his show, Empire, demanded he be reinstated.
So he has been reinstated as a cast member...sorta. The situation is just as confusing as ever.
The hit show has been renewed for season six, but Jussie Smollett won’t be in it. It’s an odd situation because a statement by Fox says "By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett's option for season 6, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to 'Empire.'"
So, his contract is extended, but they aren’t using him. It may be they are waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit the city of Chicago filed against the actor to force him to pay the cost of an investigation into his alleged attack. They say he faked it and should pay.
This all boils down to Jussie sitting on the sidelines and getting paid.