During the highly-anticipated final season debut of the blockbuster Fox show “Empire,” embattled actor Jussie Smollett was not seen nor was his character ever mentioned in the show – not even during flashbacks. It was as if Jamal Lyons never existed.
Smollett’s ex-communication from “Empire” is highly disturbing and troubling to the main character of the show, Terrence Howard, 50, who plays the patriarch Lucious Lyons. Howard broke down in tears during an interview that was supposed to be a celebration of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“Jussie has been the heart of the show. He’s been my son for six years … I miss my son,” Howard told ‘Extra.’ Howard feels like Smollett, 37, is his son in real life as he began to cry. When the interviewer asked him why he was getting emotional, Howard said, “We can’t help it. This is real life that we’re talking about.”
Smollett’s Hollywood career and livelihood are in great peril after Chicago police, prosecutors and city hall believe he staged a fake homophobic and racial beatdown in January 2019. Despite the fact that Chicago State’s Attorney Kim Foxx dropped all 16 felony charges against Smollett, former mayor Rahm Emanuel and the White House called for an independent inquiry of Foxx’s investigation, which is ongoing.
Smollett has maintained his innocence despite the overwhelming sentiment against him.
Check out Howard’s interview with “Extra” below:
