Taraji P. Henson recently spoke about her “Empire” co-star Jussie Smollett, which is the first time she’s done so since he’s been charged with felony disorderly conduct.
She did it while promoting her new film “The Best of Enemies” and said “It’s a great atmosphere” on the “Empire” set and there isn’t much difference despite the actor’s legal troubles.
Taraji P. Henson broke her silence on Jussie Smollett. (Photos: Getty Images, Kevin Mazur / Alexander Tamargo)
Although Henson didn’t address Smollett’s charges specifically, she confirmed that one of the show’s characters would be killed off this season but wouldn’t mention who.
Plus, the 48-year-old talked about Smollett on Sunday with Extra at “The Best of Enemies” premiere in New York City.
“You have to stay strong, stay positive, full of hope,” Henson said, and she also called her entire cast “strong.”
On Thursday, March 14, Smollett pleaded not guilty to a 16-count indictment after Chicago police said he lied about being the victim of a hate crime. In late January, he said two white men attacked him, yelled racial and homophobic slurs and tied a noose around his neck.
Eventually, police said he hired two Nigerian brothers to attack him, who reportedly were also seen on video purchasing the items that were used in the alleged hoax.
And after the indictments were handed down, it was reported that Smollett’s “Empire” character will be removed from the final two episodes of the current season.
In other consequences, a Black conservative group called Project 21 asked the NAACP to remove Smollett’s name for consideration for an Image Award because of his arrest.
“Everyone has a reason to be disappointed with Jussie Smollett right now, and these accumulated reasons justify the NAACP taking swift and appropriate action to remove him from consideration for its Image Award,” Council Nedd, co-chairman of Project 21, said on Monday.
