Variety is reporting that producers of the hit TV series “Empire” are actively considering whether or not to suspend actor Jussie Smollett now that he’s been charged with filing a false police report.
Sources close to the show said on Wednesday night that Fox began contemplating over a possible sanction against Smollett after his racist attack story was officially faulted by police in Chicago.
READ: Jussie Smollett Has Been Arrested For Allegedly Lying About His Attack
The network had been standing solidly behind the actor, issuing a statement earlier in today that said he was still considered a “consummate professional on set” and wasn’t being “written out of the show,” despite reports speculating otherwise.
A production source told Variety that Smollett was scheduled to work on the Chicago set of “Empire” this Thursday — the same day he’s due in court and that producers weren’t keen on changing their shooting schedule.
A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox Television could not confirm or comment on the magazine’s report or possible suspension.
Smollett, 36, is in serious trouble for filing a false police report last month in connection to a racist and homophobic attack that he claimed to have suffered. His Attorneys insists that the actor is innocent and have vowed to “mount an aggressive defense.”
If convicted, Smollett faces a possible jail sentence for up to 3 years.