Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Prada
In an interview with Vulture, Lee Daniels has a stunning confession on the Jussie Smollett scandal, ‘Empire’ being canceled and more.
Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage
The 59-year-old recently came out saying he was “beyond embarrassed” with how the entire Smollett case played out. “I think that when it happened, I had a flash of me running from bullies,” Daniels told the site. “I had a flash of my whole life, of my childhood, my youth, getting beaten.”
The Empire creator still has mixed feelings on how to communicate with the fallen actor since the debacle. Daniels considered Smollett who played Jamal Lyons on the hit TV show a son. Since the case, the showrunner has made the decision to detach himself from the actor because “It was affecting my spirit and other shows, everything,” he said. So to fans questioning Smollett’s return on the last season, it won’t be happening!
This is the first time in a while that the Hollywood savant has spoken out about his career and shows since January and he has been the talk of the town. The recent cancelation of ‘Empire’ has fans and others like the comedian Mo’Nique giving their thoughts on social media.
In addition to the ‘Empire’ news, the director discussed some other moments in his career like the time he represented Morgan Freeman and was fired over chicken wings. The ‘Star’ creator also went on to talk about crack affecting his career and how Patti Labelle’s shade helped him to stop using.
This was truly one of Daniels most candid interviews yet and people took notice. Here’s some of what the famous writer had to say:
On having doubts about the Jussie Smollett case:
“Of course, there’s some doubt. I’m telling you that because I love him so much. That’s the torture that I’m in right now because it’s literally if it were to happen to your son and your child, how would you feel? You would feel, Please, God, please let there be that glimmer of hope that there is some truth in this story. That’s why it’s been so painful. It was a flood of pain.”
On ‘Empire’ being canceled by Fox:
“Certainly, that played a major part. But come on, man. I think that it’s been a good run. Empire in its current iteration may be over, but Empire is far from over.”
On using drugs:
“I did. I wanted my life, you know? Bob Fosse was a real hero of mine, and I watched All That Jazz over and over again. I remember watching that film and calling Patti LaBelle early in the morning that night, a little high. Not a little high, a lot high. And she asked, “Do you know Jesus?” I said a prayer, and I think that was the end of my drugs.”
You can read the rest of the article here.
TELL US: What are your thoughts on what Lee Daniels had to say?
Like TV One on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
