Smollett Opens Up on ‘Speak On It’
*If you’ve been wondering what on Jussie Smollett‘s mind, wonder no more because Smollett sat down with Kandi Burruss for her “Speak On It” talk series/podcast to discuss his current ties to the “Empire” cast. The Fox drama ran from 2015 to 2020 and made Smollett a household name as Jamal Lyon.
Despite his controversial 2019 exit, he revealed he has kept close friendships with “select cast members,” most notably Taraji P. Henson, who played his on-screen mother Cookie Lyon. Hmmm, that means he has a problem with somebody related to the show.
Close Friendship With Taraji P. Henson
Smollett emphasized that he remains “very close” with Henson and said they still speak weekly. Their relationship, he noted, has endured the challenges surrounding the show and his personal controversies.
“Everyone else I still have love for… I don’t really speak [to them] on a regular basis, but I absolutely have love for mostly everybody from that cast,” he explained, suggesting some bonds remain looser than others.
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Hinting at Strained Relationships
When pressed on who he may no longer be cool with, Smollett declined to name names. He chose instead to keep things light and positive, sidestepping speculation about personal conflicts.
He did confirm that he still reaches out to Bryshere Y. Gray, who played Hakeem Lyon, despite Gray facing legal and personal troubles since the series ended.
‘Empire’s’ Legacy and Smollett’s Exit
“Empire” was a cultural phenomenon during its six-season run, spotlighting family drama set within a hip-hop dynasty. Smollett’s character Jamal was celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of a Black queer musician.
However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2019 after he reported being the victim of a hate crime in Chicago. Prosecutors later accused him of staging the incident, leading to his removal from the show’s final episodes.
Legal Battles and Redemption Arc
In 2021, Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct, serving 150 days in jail and paying a $145,000 fine. He maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal and appealed the verdict.
In November 2024, an Illinois appeals court overturned his conviction, citing prosecutorial misconduct. The decision reignited debates about his case while offering him a path toward professional and personal redemption.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The interview with Burruss quickly circulated on social media, with outlets like theJasmineBRAND highlighting his reflections. Fans weighed in on whether they’d support an “Empire” reunion and speculated about who he might be distancing himself from.
Many commenters praised his positivity, noting his decision to stress love over conflict. Others questioned whether unresolved tensions still linger among the ensemble cast.
Life After ‘Empire’
Smollett has shifted focus to new projects, including music and directing, while also participating in the Netflix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?,” released in August 2025. The film revisited his 2019 case with new interviews and behind-the-scenes details.
For now, Smollett is balancing reflection with reinvention, aiming to move forward while acknowledging both the highs and lows of his time on “Empire.”
Healing and What’s Next
Smollett’s comments reflect a mixture of reconciliation and caution. He highlighted the enduring bond with Henson while acknowledging distance with other castmates.
Six years after the series ended, his remarks show he is prioritizing positivity, healing, and his own creative path as he continues to rebuild his career and reputation.
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