Fox Network picks up 'Empire' for another season — but without Jussie Smollett's character

Jussie Smollett will be looking for work despite the Fox broadcast network picking up "Empire" for another season because he's being written out of the show.

Smollett, who is gay, portrayed singer-songwriter Jamal Lyon on the show, a character who is also gay.

The actor has been at the center of a public firestorm after he said that he was the victim of a racial and homophobic attack in January. His alleged attackers were later apprehended by the Chicago police, but they said that Smollett had paid them to fake the attack in order to garner sympathy for the actor.

He was later charged with 16 felony accounts related to filing a false police report, but many were stunned when those charges were dropped after he forfeited a $10,000 bond and completed community service.

A spokesperson for Smollett released a statement about his release from the show, saying that he was "grateful to Fox and 'Empire' leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support."

"We've been told that Jussie will not be on 'Empire' in the beginning of the season, but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal's future open," he added.

Empire will continue on to its sixth season without Smollett.

Here's a video of the Empire development:

'Empire' Officially Renewed For Season 6 – But Is Jussie Smollett Returning? | Accesswww.youtube.com