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Firing Delay

March 14, 2019 Blind Gossip

SOLVED!

[Blind Gossip] You may be wondering what the producers of this show are thinking.

Why the heck haven’t they fired the cast member who is causing turmoil on their show?

It should be easy. But it’s not.

There are several factors at play here. We’ll talk about two of them.

The first is about the show’s ratings.

Even though they cut his story lines, they wanted to see what happened with the ratings in the meantime. There are a lot of jobs at stake. Does the show do better with him or without him? What feedback are we getting from advertisers?

Most importantly, they don’t even know if they are getting renewed. Why risk him suing them if they don’t even know if the show is coming back?

The second is about his contract.

While his contract has a personal conduct (aka “behavior”) clause built in, he hasn’t plead guilty to anything and there has been no trial to ascertain his guilt or innocence. As long as he continues to say that he is innocent, the studio has to pay out his contract. They can write down or write off his character, but they still have to pay him.

There is no point in announcing anything until they can simply say, “We will not be renewing his contract.”

So, in case you thought that this was about morality or emotions, think again. It’s about contracts and money.

That means you will likely not hear about any sort of decision for at least another month.

Similar: Emily Blunt Asked Her Husband To Fire You

Actor:

TV Show:

[Optional] If you were the producers, what would you do?

SOLVED!

Actor: Jussie Smollett

TV Show: Empire

Your friends at Blind Gossip told you that it would be at least a month before any decisions were made about Jussie Smollett and his role on Empire.

It’s been a month and a half, and the decisions about the Empire – as well as Jussie Smollett’s role on the show – are now starting to fall into place!

As we told you, producers wanted to wait for both the fallout from the legal proceedings, as well as the decision about the show being picked up for another season, before making any decisions.

Despite poor ratings, Empire will be coming back for another season.

Fake hate crime mastermind Jussie Smollett is not in jail. His contract for the show will be renewed… but his character will likely get written off the show.

From CNN:

‘Empire’ renewed for Season 6 but Jussie Smollett’s return is in doubt

“Empire” will return for a sixth season, but the same can’t definitely be said for Jussie Smollett.

“By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for Season 6, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to ‘Empire,'” Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox TV said in a joint statement.

That means the studio isn’t including him in the series, but is leaving open the possibility of his return.

“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. Most importantly, he is grateful to Fox and ‘Empire’ leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support,” a spokesperson for Smollett said in a statement.

Smollett does not appear in the final two episodes of the show’s current season, having been written out as he grappled with the aftermath of what Chicago police have said was a staged attack.

The decision, producers said at the time, was made to “avoid further disruption on set.”

On the episode of “Empire” airing this week, Smollett’s character, Jamal, the middle brother of the Lyon family at the center of the show, is said to be on his honeymoon with his new husband. Plans regarding how writers will address the character’s absence into next season are still unclear.

The “Empire” season finale airs next week.

Last week, in an appearance on “Good Day New York,” series creator Lee Daniels said Smollett’s fate was still being considered.

“There are only two judges — God and that man that wears a robe. And I cannot judge. I can only have compassion,” he said.

…
Smollett was charged with multiple felony counts alleging the actor duped the Chicago police into believing he had been the target of a hate crime.

Prosecutors later dropped the charges against Smollett, but the city has asked him for more than $130,000 to cover the cost of the investigation.

Smollett denied the allegations and his attorneys have said the actor “will not be intimidated into paying.”

Daniels said on “Good Day New York” that Chicago’s pending suit against Smollett, as well as insurance issues, were “causing a dilemma.”

Smollett has starred on “Empire” since the show’s start in 2015.

This solution may seem odd, but it works on several levels.

It insulates the producers from being sued by Jussie – because he is still “on” the show and still getting paid – but it will appease the audience and advertisers who don’t want Smollett on the show any longer.

Talent contracts can be complicated. Even if an actor has a contract for a TV series, they do not have any control over the creative story lines or what happens to their character. Even if the actor has a contract, the writers can simply write out their character.

A star of a series is likely to have a contract where they get paid for every episode over the course of a season.

Another actor might be given a different guarantee, like a “10 out of 22,” where they are given a guarantee of getting paid on a minimum of 10 episodes out of 22 during the season. So if the show runs for 22 episodes and their character is written out after the first episode – or never even appears during the season – they will still get paid for a minimum of 10 episodes.

We don’t know what kind of contract Jussie Smollett will have for next season. Our best guess is that they are going to offer him the minimal “X out of Y” contract they can get away with. He will get paid for a few episodes… but will not appear.

Congratulations to Mystic1 for being first with the correct response!

Did you catch the big clue?

Empire is a about a record label and the show takes place in the city of Chicago. Kudos to those of you who recognized that the record in the original blind item is cut into the shape of the Chicago skyline!

 
 
 

Solved Blind Items actor, TV

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. stickaforkinit says

    March 23, 2019 at 9:08 am

    * Smollet and Empire. Never seen it, never will.

  2. Naya2018 says

    March 16, 2019 at 7:48 am

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

    They will just cancel the show at the end of season 5 to be rid of the headache. The ratings are tanking since they returned from Winter hiatus. Low ratings + no Jussie + legal drama = Cancellation. He was the one of the main breakout stars of the show anyway. Without him, it’s pointless.

  3. Raoul Duke says

    March 15, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    Jussie
    Empire

    Whomever did the graphics, I love you and Empire Records.

  4. Mumumumu says

    March 15, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Jussie Smollet at Empire.

    There’s nothing to be sorted out. Advertisers will NOT show their products in a show that has a felon, with such divisive hate crime. It’s that simple.

    Most likely Empire will have another season and will die. If they’re lucky enough to be renewed.

  5. SureFineWhatever says

    March 15, 2019 at 7:29 am

    With the record and skyline clue, I’m gonna go with Empire and Jussie Smollett.

  6. ChristineNYC says

    March 15, 2019 at 7:22 am

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Producers should recreate the alleged crime for a show plot. How uncomfortable would that make him? Faking getting beaten up twice? Lol. But for the show they should beat him to death – and kill off his character entirely. Karma.

  7. dstdiva says

    March 15, 2019 at 7:12 am

    jussie smollet – empire

  8. Gerseychick says

    March 15, 2019 at 6:54 am

    Jessie
    Empire
    Beyond cold out in Chicago and goes out in the wee hours to Subway for a sandwich…2 white guys beat you up….What a LOSER..

  9. phat girl says

    March 15, 2019 at 6:36 am

    Josie Smallyet

  10. YakoDako says

    March 15, 2019 at 5:25 am

    Jussie
    Empire

    If I were a producer on the show, I would work it into the story line. I think MORE people would watch to see how it plays out. I sure would, and I don’t even watch the show.

  11. mdbpug says

    March 15, 2019 at 4:56 am

    Jussie Smollet

  12. carriebradshaw says

    March 15, 2019 at 4:04 am

    Jussie Smollett

  13. aaaharo says

    March 15, 2019 at 3:24 am

    Actor: Jussie Smollett
    Show: EMPIRE

  14. aemish says

    March 15, 2019 at 2:49 am

    Jussie

  15. deepsigh says

    March 15, 2019 at 1:48 am

    Obviously, Jussie Smollett.

    Empire

    The producers are smart. Play it safe as he continues to self destruct. At this point,save for Queen Latifah, does anyone believe this guy?

  16. Mills007 says

    March 15, 2019 at 1:11 am

    Empire And The Jussie Smollet Saga….

  17. faloola says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    Jussie Smollett

  18. CosmoDoll says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:13 pm

    Jussie Smollett / Empire

  19. Alilovesshoes says

    March 14, 2019 at 11:02 pm

    Smollet & empire

  20. radmom says

    March 14, 2019 at 10:34 pm

    Jussie Smollet

  21. sherri says

    March 14, 2019 at 10:10 pm

    Jussie Smolett
    Empire

  22. MikeyJoeChicago says

    March 14, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire
    Write in some tragedy that requires hospitalization and bring him back around if he gets better.

  23. Appleton says

    March 14, 2019 at 9:34 pm

    Jussie got everyone wrapped around his little finger

    Nice clue with the picture.

  24. SoooLate says

    March 14, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

  25. spunkymonkey says

    March 14, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    Jussie Smollet and Empire

  26. hwkgirl1 says

    March 14, 2019 at 8:59 pm

    William h Macy
    Shameless

    Hard considering they just had a character exit. Why is his wife named and not him? Because they don’t have any traceable evidence from him? (Phone, email)?

  27. JuiceBoxHero says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:51 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Keep him. Let the ratings be the determining factor.

  28. Miami PoLo41 says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

  29. Sleepyandconfused says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Jussie
    Empire

  30. lgindahouse says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

    Wait and see.

  31. FILMGAL says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

  32. gailpow says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett
    TV show: Empire.
    Just read that the show’s ratings were down for the first show of the new season.

  33. TeaDrinker says

    March 14, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Optional: If they’re going to be cancelled anyway then I wouldn’t risk firing him due to the lawsuit until after we knew if it was renewed.

  34. mizzec says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett
    TV Show: Empire
    [Optional] If you were the producers, what would you do? Give him the boot! He’ll just bring the show down with him!

  35. truebritt8 says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Jussie

  36. sinamin says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:52 pm

    Smollet. Damn spell check

  37. sinamin says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:50 pm

    Jussie skillet. Fire his ass

  38. scumby says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    rating were poor so he will be fired

  39. bertwheeler says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:25 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Write him off the show and say “See you in court. But your lawyer is going to be a lot more expensive than your ‘personal trainers'”.

  40. Vidalia Q Intrigue says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  41. badgerette85 says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:15 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire
    I think he is a distraction – write him off, pay him for the season and be done.

  42. MaryRead says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    Actor: Jossie Smollett
    Show: Empire

    What would you do: Faking a crime like this was crazy, narcissistic, hateful, and extremely detrimental to so many marginalized people. I would write the whole event into the show as a plot point & make him act his BS out, then write his character off when the Lyon family disowns him and he goes to jail. BUH BYE

  43. killyourdarlings says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett

    TV Show: Empire

    [Optional] Honestly? If I were the show’s producers i’d milk as much promo I could at this point they could use it tbh the ratings are low.

  44. Searlait says

    March 14, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett
    Show: Empire
    Optional: Not buying it. Other actors are fired for much less and the producers and show get away with it.

  45. ILUVCA4evr says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:54 pm

    Smollet

    Empire
    .
    Fire him! He has compromised the integrity of the whole show. I couldn’t care less about it now. If they keep him on, they are condoning his actions.

  46. labhluva14 says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Jussie Smollett…Empire

  47. GirlWhy says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Empire and Jussie Smollett

  48. Monysmom says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:31 pm

    Jussie Smollett, Empire.

    Can him

  49. GretaGuesses says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    Jussie Smollet of ‘Empire’

    Give him a long protracted illness in the show where he’s basically not seen anymore, except occasional shots of him in the shadows, then he passes away when his contract is up.

  50. marieparis says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    Jussy Smollett
    Empire

  51. VegasMike says

    March 14, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Jussie Smullet and Empire…

  52. FiyahHotFlashy says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollet

    TV Show: Empire

    [Optional] If you were the producers, what would you do? Pay him and slowly write him out

  53. missluv60 says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:37 pm

    Jussie
    Empire

  54. goodgollyholly says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Smollett

    Empire

    Regardless if his absence changes ratings, they should get rid of him as soon as possible and until then he should not appear on the show.

  55. umakompton says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett
    TV Show: Empire

  56. ezilgaloth says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    Actor: Jussie

    TV Show: Empire

    [Optional] If you were the producers, what would you do? – I’d fire him immediately and let him sue…or try. He won’t have any money for lawyers so you’ll be able to shove a quick settlement down his throat. Easy peasey. He’s a CREEP!

  57. I Am PunkA says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Smollett

    Empire

    I’d kill him off on season finale. In a MAGA attack with a noose.

  58. haley1020 says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  59. Joe says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett

    TV Show: Empire

    [Optional] If you were the producers, what would you do? Probably what they are doing if that’s what his contract says. (Although why could Lori Loughlin be fired if she hasn’t pleaded guilty or been convicted either?)

  60. JudgeJudi says

    March 14, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

  61. missbmw says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:58 pm

    Jussie Smollett.

  62. azifukare says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Write him off the show.

  63. itsjustanothergirl says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett

    Show: Empire

    I’d recast or write the character out of the show. I think too many people will stop watching otherwise.

  64. Jelly Drop says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

    Really? Didn’t Kevin Spacey get turfed out of House of Cards and edited out of a movie before his trial even started? Surely there is precedent. Jussie has been charged. You bet he will say he is innocent if he gets paid every episode that airs even if he is not in the show. He will drag and fight this to the end. This is ridiculous.

  65. luddite2 says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    Jussie Smollett on Empire. If I were a producer of the show, I would just admit I work in an industry full of * and take the easy and profitable way out.

  66. foraccts says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    To easy, this is about Empire and Jussie Smallet. Hollywood sits atop its ivory tower preaching ethics and morals to the rest of us peons when their house is built on a nest of perversion and abuse.

    I would let him go on a morals clause if there is one

  67. LizardQueen says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    Jessie’s mullet

    Empire

    If I was the producers, I’d probably do exactly what they’re doing for those same reasons. If a trial happens, and he’s found guilty… that’s a whole new bag of cut the contract. Til then, not much to do but wait it out.

  68. foraccts says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    To easy, this is about Empire and Jussie Smallet. Hollywood sits atop its ivory tower preaching ethics and morals to the rest of us peons when their house is built on a nest of perversion and abuse.

  69. Lindylou says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    Disgusting Smollet

    Empire

    Fire him

  70. kittymyers says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:43 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

    I’d like to think I’d give him the boot because he’s bad news.

    One of the clues: That picture is the skyline of Chicago from a Chicago album.

  71. Babs806 says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:41 pm

    Jussie Smollett, Empire

  72. scooby says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:31 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    EMPIRE

  73. silence1534 says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    Jussie Smollett

    Empire

    Wait for the courts to rule before doing anything

  74. carrieva9 says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    jussie
    empire

    fire

  75. showmancer says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    Jessie Smollett
    Empire

  76. MadGal says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:22 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  77. wendybar says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    He committed a HATE CRIME. If Jussie were white he would have been gone long ago, and probably in prison.

  78. isthisseattaken says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  79. JFredMuggs says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:16 pm

    Jussy Smullet

  80. skyboyz says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollett

    TV Show: Empire

  81. laurel74 says

    March 14, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    Jussie Smollett

  82. MinnieMe says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Cut him loose. He’s a liability.

  83. High Steppa says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    Jussie “The Liar” Smollett and Empire. Sounds like the producers are doing the smart thing.

  84. calibg21 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Jussie Smollet
    Empire

  85. lealoo says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  86. zappy2050 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Jussie Smollett. I am sure they will fire him/”not renew his contract” but it does make sense to wait. If he is smart, his lawyer is behind the scenes negotiating a plea deal.

  87. CanaryCry says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Jussie from Empire.

  88. oyevey says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    Jussie, you’ve got some splainin’ to do!

  89. Laughing1 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Jussie Smollett?

  90. NoseyNana2008 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  91. OfficalNobody says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:29 pm

    Jussie
    Empire

  92. Kerzep says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    Jussie Smullock. Empire

  93. KyrasMaMa says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    Smollett and his fake hate saga….

    This actually irks me. ABC can fire Roseanne from her own show, created by her, and was the starring character in, but yet they can’t do the same in this case for a supporting actor. What the producers SHOULD have done, is what they do in soaps all the time. “the role of XXX is now being played by YYY” and move on.

    • foraccts says

      March 15, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      This

  94. NewHampshirite says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    Empire

    Justin Smollett

  95. cassadaga says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    Obviously Jussie. Can see now why he’s still insulting everyone’s intelligence by claiming he’s innocent.

  96. dadiegirl says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    Jussie

    Empire

  97. sweetiepeach says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:11 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire
    Fire him!

  98. bbatty says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    Jussie Smollett

    Empire

    Put him on unpaid leave until the charges get sorted out.

  99. angie78 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:04 pm

    Jussie Smollet

    Empire

    Fire him and be done with it.

  100. sabrina325 says

    March 14, 2019 at 2:04 pm

    Jussie Smollett, Empire

  101. Parade says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    Smollett
    Empire

  102. amagod121 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

    I’d keep him on to avoid a law suit, but never use his character again. Instead, I’d have his father, played by Terrence Howard, say, ” Where’s Jamal? ” and have Cookie respond, “He went out to pick up the dry cleaning,” and then leave his character hanging there in an inconsequential nowhere space forever! Although gotta admit, Chuk Lorre handled it best when he had Charlie Sheen ‘s character killed by a falling piano, just like Wile E. Coyote!

  103. augustmom says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    Jussie Smollett, Empire

  104. Girlfriend says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    Jussie and Empire

  105. nunnya says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    Jussie smollet and empire

  106. SouthJerseyGirl says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    Jussie Smollett – Empire.

    I would do exactly what they are currently doing.

  107. waysouthofheaven says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

  108. luv2guess says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    jessie the scammer smollett
    empire

  109. chica1984 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    Jussie and empire

  110. mountaingirl82 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    Jussie Smolet
    Empire

  111. aaaBaki says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    Actor: Jussie Smollet
    TV Show: Empire

  112. mystery man 2 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    Jussie Smollet Empire

  113. sunshine702 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:27 pm

    Jussie Smollett
    Empire

    Sounds pretty smart to wait while telling the public they are writing him off.

  114. angelbratt says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    Jussie Smollett

    Empire

  115. Bookworm says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:25 pm

    Smollett
    Empire

    Optional: I’d find a way to let him go as soon as contractually able. To see him strut into court is quite sickening.

  116. oyekomova says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    Jussie Smollet

  117. cinnamongirl says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Jussie Smollett

  118. mystic1 says

    March 14, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    Jussie Smollett, Empire

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