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Smollett's role as Jamal Lyon has been considered groundbreaking for the positive depiction of a black gay man on television.

Jamal Lyon deals with addiction, a parent disapproving of his sexuality, gun violence and more on the show. His character was cut from the final two episodes of the show's fifth season.

\"Jussie
Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski/Reuters
Jussie Smollett leaves court after charges against him were dropped by state prosecutors in Chicago, March 26, 2019.
>

In a statement to ABC News, Fox, which airs \"Empire,\" said, \"Jussie Smollett has always maintained his innocence and we are gratified on his behalf that all charges against him have been dismissed.\"

In March, executive producer Brett Mahoney said Smollett's case was \"a lot to deal with and a lot to go through, but we're really just focused on finishing strong.\"

21st Century Fox -- which produces EMPIRE -- is now a part of Disney, ABC News' parent company.

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