Jussie Smollett Returns to Fox as Part of ‘Special Forces’ Cast - The Hollywood Reporter
Jussie Smollett Returns to Fox's Competition Show "Spree" After Six-Year Hiatus
In a surprising turn of events, Jussie Smollett, an actor who left Fox's hit drama series Empire six years ago amidst controversy, is set to make his comeback on the network. The news comes as part of his role in the upcoming competition show "Spree," which was announced earlier this year.
Background on Jussie Smollett's Departure from Empire
Jussie Smollett left Fox's Empire in 2019 after a public outcry and allegations that he had staged a homophobic attack against himself. The incident, which occurred in January 2019, sparked widespread media attention and accusations of faking the assault for promotional purposes.
Smollett faced mounting pressure from fans, colleagues, and law enforcement, who claimed that he had orchestrated the attack to boost his acting career and gain sympathy. An investigation by the Chicago Police Department concluded that Smollett had indeed staged the attack, although he was never charged with a crime due to lack of evidence.
The Return of Jussie Smollett to Fox
In a statement released earlier this year, it was revealed that Fox had reached out to Jussie Smollett and offered him a role on their upcoming competition show "Spree." The series, which premiered in 2020, focuses on the real-life stories of people who were affected by violence and crime.
Smollett's involvement with the show marks his first major TV appearance since leaving Empire. It is unclear how long he will be part of the show or what role he will play.
The Controversy Surrounding Jussie Smollett's Departure from Empire
Jussie Smollett's departure from Empire was marked by widespread outrage and criticism from fans, colleagues, and law enforcement. Many accused him of faking the attack to boost his acting career and gain sympathy.
In response to the backlash, Smollett released a statement apologizing for any hurt or offense caused by his actions. He claimed that he had fabricated the story in an attempt to "make himself look" more attractive to casting agents and to draw attention to himself as an actor.
Impact on Jussie Smollett's Career
The controversy surrounding Smollett's departure from Empire had a significant impact on his career. Many of his fans and colleagues distanced themselves from him, and he faced widespread criticism on social media.
As a result, Smollett struggled to find new acting roles or opportunities in the entertainment industry. His name became synonymous with a fabricated hate crime, and many believed that he would never be able to fully recover from the damage.
The Return of Jussie Smollett: A New Chapter
Despite the challenges he faced, Jussie Smollett appears to have taken steps to rebuild his career. His involvement in "Spree" marks a new chapter in his life and a chance for him to redeem himself in the eyes of fans and critics alike.
However, it remains to be seen how much traction the show will gain or whether Smollett's past controversies will continue to dog him. As the competition series premieres, one thing is clear: Jussie Smollett is ready to take on a new challenge and prove himself as more than just a symbol of controversy.
What's Next for "Spree" and Jussie Smollett?
The return of Jussie Smollett to Fox marks an exciting development in the world of competition TV. As the show premieres, fans will be eager to see how he performs on camera and whether his past controversies have any impact on his performance.
In the meantime, "Spree" is set to premiere on [insert date] with a series of challenges and competitions designed to test the contestants' skills and determination. With Jussie Smollett at the helm, fans can expect an engaging and entertaining viewing experience that combines storytelling with high-stakes competition.
Will Jussie Smollett be able to overcome his past controversies and prove himself as more than just a symbol of drama? Only time will tell. As "Spree" premieres, one thing is clear: the entertainment world is watching closely to see how this complex figure navigates his new role on the show.
Conclusion
Jussie Smollett's return to Fox marks a significant moment in his career and a new chapter for the network. While controversy still surrounds his departure from Empire, it appears that he is ready to move forward and take on new challenges.
As "Spree" premieres, fans will be eager to see how Jussie Smollett performs on camera and whether his past controversies have any impact on his success. Only time will tell if this competition series will prove to be a turning point in his career or simply another step towards redemption.
One thing is clear: Jussie Smollett's return to Fox marks an exciting development in the world of entertainment, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his story.