Jussie Smollett Will Not Return for 'Empire' Series Finale

Don’t expect to see Jussie Smollett in the series finale of Empire.

Fox entertainment president Michael Thorn says the 37-year-old actor will not be a part of the May finale of the show’s six-season run.

“We’re not going to bring Jussie back to the show,” Michael told TVLine.

“There were a number of factors that went into the decision to not bring him back,” he continued. “There were many points of view about if he should come back or if he shouldn’t. As hard as a decision as that was, for us — and when I say us I mean the network, the studio and the producers — it felt like it was in the best interests of the show and the cast.”

“Our hope is that all of the controversy surrounding Jussie doesn’t overshadow the show,” Michael added, “which we think is bigger than him.”

Jussie was written out of the final episodes of season five after claiming he was attacked by two men who made racist and homophobic comments. Jussie Smollett was then accused of making up the attack and charged with fabricating a false police report.

READ MORE: Federal Judge Refuses to Dismiss City of Chicago Lawsuit Against Jussie Smollett