“Empire” has cut Jussie Smollett’s screen time in the wake of a growing sentiment that he ‘staged the so-called attack.‘
According to TMZ, Jussie was supposed to have 9 scenes and a big musical number in the second to the last episode which is being shot now but, 5 of his scenes have been cut, and his musical number has been 86’d.
As for the remaining 4 scenes, TMZ reports that he’s no longer the focus. The scene features an ensemble, meaning he’s flanked by a number of cast members.
With his duties pared down, Jussie will be spending way less time on set. Instead of working every day this week, we’re told Jussie’s working Friday and possibly Thursday, and he won’t be rehearsing.
Less work for Jussie means more work for writers, who are busy making edits. In the past 24 hours, we’re told the script has undergone multiple revisions.
TMZ also added that the case of Jussie is headed to a Grand Jury as early as Tuesday. The law enforcement sources say the focus is presenting evidence that could lead to a felony indictment against Jussie for allegedly filing a false police report.