Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence On Jussie Smollett Controversy, Says ‘Empire’ Is ‘A Great Atmosphere’

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence On Jussie Smollett Controversy, Says ‘Empire’ Is ‘A Great Atmosphere’

Taraji P. Henson has broken her silence on her Empire co-star Jussie Smollett’s controversy.

Smollett was charged with 16 felony counts after he allegedly lied about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. He has since pleaded not guilty as he insisted the attack really did happen.

The Chicago Police Department has called out Smollett for staging the attack himself, and how Henson is one of the latest stars to share their thoughts.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Henson said all is well on the Empire set, despite Smollett’s recent drama, including speculation that he might be killed off or recast.

“It’s a great atmosphere.”

She added that she couldn’t give too much detail.

“I can’t really talk about that.”

Henson went on to confirm that someone will be killed off this season but didn’t reveal who it was. While she couldn’t say much about Smollett, she certainly had a little more to say about her character, Cookie.

“Cookie’s on a really emotional roller coaster this year. She’s finding herself. She’s literally finding herself.”

Terrence Howard, who plays Smollett’s father on the show, has been very vocal in his support for Smollett. Actor Taye Diggs and Empire star Gabby Sidibe also backed Smollett in Howard’s post.

Meanwhile, the show’s co-star Serayah McNeil did have a little more to say about Smollett during an interview with US Weekly.

Serayah

“Right now, everyone is fine, and everyone is finishing up the season and being professional about it. Everyone is acting very professionally, we all love this show and we have a job to do.”

What do you think about Henson’s brief statement and the other Empire stars’ comments? Tell us in the comments!