Jussie Smollett's future on Empire remains uncertain despite charges being dropped

Fox is reportedly willing to 'cut their losses if need be'

Although all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett have been dropped, the actor's future on the television show Empire remains uncertain.

The 36-year-old was accused of hiring two men to stage a racist and homophobic attack on him in downtown Chicago on 29 January. All 16 counts of disorderly conduct have been dismissed.

While many of Empire's cast members have come to Smollett's side, the show's producers, Fox, are unsure how to proceed.

“Things are so unclear and there is a feeling that this isn’t over, that there’s more to come,” an insider reportedly told Deadline.

Outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has lambasted the decision to drop the charges against Smollett, while the FBI is still investigating the actor.

Smollett has already been written out of the final two episodes of Empire season five. With Fox now being owned by Disney, the company are reportedly considering dropping him completely depending on which way public opinion falls on the case. An insider said they will “cut their losses if need be”.

Empire has not been renewed for a sixth season, though the publication notes that this looks likely. Showrunner Brett Mahoney, actors Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard have all supported Smollett after the counts were dismissed.

“I’m happy that the truth has finally been set free, because I knew it all along,” Henson told USA Today. “We’re all happy for him, and thank God the truth prevailed.”

In a statement on Smollett, the prosecutors who dropped the accusations said: “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the city of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.

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"We stand by the Chicago Police Department’s investigation and our decision to approve charges in this case.”

A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox Television and the Fox Entertainment, said in a statement: "Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified that all charges against him have been dismissed."