Jussie Smollett could have the fate of "Empire" in the balance

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Jussie SmollettThis case could cost him more than just his role in "Empire" … many viewers fear that his situation will slow him down.

The production sources tell TMZ that … anxiety is high among the actors and the "Empire" team, as Fox has yet to renew the show for a sixth season. People who have been working on the show for years have been told that they would be fed up with it that they should have heard the news one way or another now, and that it 's right. they were hoping to know the fate of the show about two weeks ago.

For the record … Fox has usually renewed the show in January … 5 months before the final of the season. The exception … this past season. Fox waited until season 4 was over in May.

We are told that people involved in production feel like Jussie and his case will be an important factor in the way things move.

As for how the character of Jussie is treated in the series now … Lee Daniels and co. have already announced that Jamal is removed from the last two episodes of season 5, which must return from a hiatus Wednesday night.

Our sources say that Jussie's character will be "out of the country".

Here is the kicker … our sources of production tell us even if Fox renews the show, senior officials have expressed serious reservations about the return of Jussie … like many people on the casting and team … even some who have publicly supported it.