Lee Daniels Says Jussie Smollett's Fate On 'Empire' Is Being Decided Now -- Co-Stars Write An Open Letter

Source: ET

Jussie Smollett has been under a magnifying glass since it was revealed that his story of being attacked didn’t match the surveillance footage or recount by the two brothers involved. Since then, everyone wants one question answered: Will Jussie Smollett lose his spot on ‘Empire?’

If you ask Lee Daniels, he doesn’t think the singer should have his career destroyed over something he hasn’t been proven guilty of. TMZ caught up with the executive producer of the Fox series who said his fate is now being decided.

Daniels also told Extra: “The cast is upset. It is a sad time and we are slowly healing. What I am learning right now is that I can’t judge. That that judgement is for that man wearing that black coat with a gavel and God. I can only support him because he is like my son, he is my son, so I am with him.”

Although the on-camera crew is shaken by the situation at hand, they banded together to write an open letter to Fox begging the network to allow Jussie to stay on the show.

Terrence Howard, Taraji P Henson, Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, and Nicole Ari Parker all had a hand in writing the note that read, in part: “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. We understand the past months have been difficult to process—sometimes the headlines brought more confusion than clarity, yet we now have a conclusion to this ordeal. Throughout Empire’s five seasons working with Jussie and watching how he has conducted himself throughout this traumatic event, we have come to know not just the character Jussie portrays, but also truly come to know Jussie’s personal character. He is kind. He is compassionate. He is honest and above all he is filled with integrity. He is also innocent and no longer subject to legal uncertainty with the criminal charges against him having been dropped. We are confident in his lawyer’s assurance that the case was dismissed because it would not have prevailed.”

The musical show has suffered from some of its lowest ratings in history. The next season has not been greenlit yet, but judging by Lee’s statement and the cast’s plea — they seem to be anticipating another installment.

Do you think Jussie should be fired?