The accusations made towards Jussie Smollett in the alleged staged assault has those close to the actor-musician scratching their heads–including his Empire family.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter Thursday (Feb. 21), sources close Empire were surprised to hear a salary increase was the motive behind the actor’s reported staged attack in January. The Illinois state prosecutor stated in a press conference Smollett paid two brothers to orchestrate a homophobic racist attack in an effort to get his star rising and his pockets heavier. But those close to the Empire set believe that can’t be the case since as he was most recently paid $125,000 per episode.
“I don’t think it’s true that he was unhappy with what he was being paid,” the source told THR. “His representatives never once called and there was no effort to renegotiate. He’s never expressed any dissatisfaction.”
Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, Smollett’s base pay was in the $40,000 to $50,000 region but after setting record-breaking ratings in the first season, the main characters received a big increase with Smollett receiving $125,000 per episode and esteemed actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard moving from $110,000-$120,000 per-episode to the $225,000-$250,000 range. Aside from season one, there are 18 episodes from season two to season five.
The actor has officially been cut from the last two episodes of the fifth season to avoid “disruption on set.”
“While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our trust in the legal system as the process plays out, a statement from Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, Brett Mahoney, Brian Grazer, Sanaa Hamri, Francie Calfo and Dennis Hammer reads. “We are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of Jamal from the final two episodes of the season.”
Smollett has also maintained his innocence throughout the entire case. Alternative motives have pointed to a boost to his music career but the actor also seemed to be pleased with that as well.
Speaking to VIBE just after the release of his debut album Sum of My Music, the actor was pleased with his journey outside of Empire.
“Here’s the thing, I’m not ashamed of Empire songs. I wrote a lot of them,” he said. Empire’s soundtrack was a hit with fans as it climbed to the top of the Billboard charts in 2015. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done with Empire. I just can’t be only Empire, that’s not all I am.”
His project moved 7,000 units and views on his YouTube channel views have been modest with “Catch Your Eye” feature Swizz Beatz reaching 620,000 views and audio of “F.U.W.” reaching 1.1 million spins. His most popular song on Spotify isn’t an Empire-related track, it’s “Ha Ha (I Love You)” from Sum of My Music.
As the case might to go trial, one can only hope the full truth will be revealed.