Empire boss confirms Jussie Smollett is back at work: "He just wanted to get things back to normal"

Deadline

“He’s the heart of the show in many ways and everyone welcomed him back,” showrunner Brett Mahoney told Deadline, confirming that Smollett filmed scenes on Monday. “We let him know we’re all family, we’re all supporting him and we all have his back. I think that helped him ease back to getting back to work.” Mahoney added: "Jussie is a proud, gay black man, and I’m not sure if the cowards were trying to beat the pride, gay or black out of him but he’s strong and we’re happy he’s back at work." ALSO: Will Smollett's attack be written into Empire?